The road to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco (AFCON 2025) has officially begun for Nigeria as Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle released an extensive 55-man provisional squad ahead of next month’s continental showpiece. The announcement, made on Monday, instantly sparked conversations across the football community, with a blend of senior internationals, returning stars and ambitious home-based players all competing for a place on the final list.
For a nation chasing its fourth continental crown, Chelle’s early selection paints the picture of a coach determined to leave no stone unturned. Captain William Troost-Ekong returns to lead the group, while Victor Osimhen, Africa’s most talked about striker, also makes the lineup as expected. Both players headline a squad that balances experience with fresh energy as Nigeria prepares for what promises to be a competitive AFCON.
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Stanley Nwabali, whose heroics in Ivory Coast earlier this year kept Nigeria alive in key moments, retains his place and will once again be central to the goalkeeping department. He is joined by Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye, Francis Uzoho, and home-based option Ebenezer Harcourt of Sporting Lagos.
In defence, Chelle has leaned heavily on Europe-based regulars, including Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi and Olaoluwa Aina. The presence of Adekunle Adeleke from Abia Warriors also stands out as a reward for consistent performances in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
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Midfield remains one of Nigeria’s most scrutinised departments, and Chelle has opted for a blend of structure and creativity. Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka bring reliability, while Alex Iwobi adds invention in the final third. Younger faces such as Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro represent a thoughtful balance between present quality and future development.
But it is the attack that once again underlines Nigeria’s pedigree. The firepower available is immense. From the form and versatility of Ademola Lookman to the direct impact of Samuel Chukwueze and the raw goalscoring ability of Victor Boniface, there is no shortage of options. Chelle has also included Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi and Chidera Ejuke. Notably, four home-based forwards, Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji and Emmanuel Michael, also make the cut, a rare recognition for players pushing hard from the local scene.
Chelle has already confirmed that the squad will be pruned to 28 players in the coming days as final preparations intensify. The Super Eagles will open camp in Egypt on Wednesday, 10 December, where they will play warm-up matches before departing for Morocco. The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations begins on Sunday, 21 December.
Nigeria will face Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda in Group C. On paper it is a group that demands discipline, efficiency and sharp execution, especially against opponents with contrasting styles. For Chelle, the next few weeks will be crucial in building chemistry, selecting a balanced team and shaping a squad mentally and tactically ready for a tough AFCON campaign.
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Below is the full 55-man provisional squad released by the Nigeria Football Federation.
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye, Francis Uzoho, Ebenezer Harcourt
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Olaoluwa Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Felix Agu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adekunle Adeleke
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Tochukwu Nnadi, Fisayo Dele Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele Bashiru
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Olakunle Olusegun, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Abdulrasheed Shehu, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi, Philip Otele, Salim Fago Lawal, Emmanuel Michael.
