Experience meets new firepower as Eric Chelle names star-studded squad for AFCON 2025 title mission.

Super Eagles

Nigeria’s 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is now official, and head coach Eric Chelle has struck a balance of elite talent and emerging quality as the Super Eagles target a fourth continental crown in Morocco.

From heavyweight stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman to exciting newcomers such as Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Nigeria’s lineup blends proven match-winners with fresh, fearless energy.

Here is a full breakdown of the squad by position:

GOALKEEPERS

Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus) — 21 caps
A familiar and experienced name in the squad, Uzoho brings World Cup and AFCON pedigree, bouncing back from past injuries and criticism to remain a reliable shot-stopper.

Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa) — 27 caps
Hero of AFCON 2023, where he delivered a historic shootout performance against South Africa, Nwabali remains Nigeria’s current No. 1 and leadership figure at the back.

Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania) — Uncapped
One of Nigeria’s fastest-rising keepers, Obasogie adds competition and depth. His NPFL clean-sheet record and penalty-saving reputation strengthen the squad’s options.

DEFENDERS

Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England) — 46 caps, 1 goal
Tall, calm and consistent, Ajayi was ever-present during Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 run and remains a key pillar of the back line.

Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England) — 37 caps, 1 goal
Versatile and powerful, Bassey arrives in top form after scoring for Fulham; a trusted starter across multiple positions.

Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France) — 36 caps, 1 goal
Quick, aggressive and adaptable, Awaziem adds experience and reliability to Nigeria’s defensive rotation.

Zaidu Sanusi (Porto, Portugal) — 26 caps
Known for his pace and overlapping runs, Sanusi provides width on the left and strong AFCON experience.

Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England) — 25 caps
Flexible and energetic, Osayi-Samuel’s ability to play on either flank gives Chelle tactical freedom.

Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece) — 20 caps
Disciplined and dependable, Onyemaechi continues to grow into a solid option at left-back.

Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic) — 1 cap
A future cornerstone of Nigeria’s defence, Ogbu brings strength and European experience.

Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England) — Uncapped
New to Nigeria’s senior setup, the right-back provides fresh talent and promise.

MIDFIELDERS

Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England) — 91 caps, 10 goals
The heartbeat of Nigeria’s midfield; intelligent, composed and influential on both ends of the pitch.

Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England) — 37 caps, 3 goals
Relentless energy and physical presence make him a defensive and attacking weapon.

Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey) — 71 caps
A powerhouse at the base of midfield, Ndidi brings control, experience and tactical authority.

Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium) — 17 caps, 1 goal
Technically gifted and disciplined, Onyedika is pushing hard for a bigger midfield role.

Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
A dynamic young talent who offers drive, stamina and defensive bite on debut tournament duty.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy) — 10 caps, 2 goals
Sharp, creative and confident, Dele-Bashiru adds flair and midfield goalscoring threat.

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy) — 1 cap
An exciting playmaker entering his first major tournament — one of Nigeria’s brightest rising stars.

Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)
Experienced, technical and unpredictable; his long journey makes his AFCON debut a story to watch.

FORWARDS

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy) — 34 caps, 8 goals
Nigeria’s in-form attacking dynamo and reigning African Footballer of the Year. A proven match-winner.

Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England) — 51 caps, 7 goals
Explosive and creative, Chukwueze’s Fulham form boosts Nigeria’s attacking depth.

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey) — 45 caps, 31 goals
Nigeria’s goal machine. Only six away from equalling Rashidi Yekini’s all-time scoring record — Morocco could be historic.

Moses Simon (Paris FC, France) — 88 caps, 10 goals
Experienced and versatile, Simon remains a key wide option with proven AFCON pedigree.

Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain) — 11 caps, 1 goal
Sharp, direct and confident — returning to form at the perfect time.

Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain) — 4 caps, 2 goals
Strong, fast and clinical, Adams is already making his mark with goals and assists.

Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey) — 25 caps, 3 goals
Aerial threat, in outstanding form — a powerful option to change games late.

Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece) — 11 caps, 3 goals
Arrives ready for his first major competition, determined to seize the moment.

Salim Fago (NK Istra, Croatia)
Talented young finisher with strong U-20 background — one for the future, and maybe the present.

OUTLOOK

Nigeria head to Morocco with one of the most talent-rich squads in the tournament — a mix of veteran leadership, elite European form and fearless young talent.

With Victor Osimhen chasing history, Ademola Lookman in the best form of his career, and a midfield stacked with mobility and creativity, the Super Eagles enter AFCON 2025 as genuine contenders for the title.

The mission is clear: bring the cup home.