Head Coach Eric Sékou Chelle has named his final 28-man squad for Nigeria’s campaign at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to kick off in Morocco on December 21, 2025. The list features a mix of established stars, returning figures, and several newcomers, as the three-time African champions aim for their fourth title after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The forward line will be spearheaded by the attacking core of Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC), Ademola Lookman(Atalanta BC), and Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC). Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS) has been recalled to the squad, along with newcomers like Croatia-based forward Salim Fago Lawal and the Sevilla pair of Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams.
The midfield boasts the experience of Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC), Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC), and Frank Onyeka(Brentford FC), while providing space for new faces like Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC) and Tochukwu Nnadi (SV Zulte Waregem). The defensive unit includes Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England), and Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), with Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England) earning his first senior invitation. In goal, Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC) returns to join in-form Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United) and Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars).
The Super Eagles are grouped with Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda and will begin their tournament on December 23 against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fès. They will then take on Tunisia on December 27 and conclude their group stage matches against Uganda on December 30. The team is expected to stage a pre-tournament camp in Egypt, including an unofficial friendly match against the Pharaohs on December 16, before flying to their base in Fès, Morocco, on December 18.
