Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with star attackers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman leading the selections.
The Super Eagles gaffer had previously released a 54-man preliminary squad, which has now been reduced to only 28 players, beating the December 11 deadline set by CAF.
Galatasaray forward Osimhen leads the attack, which also includes the likes of Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams.
In midfield, Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru makes a return after recovering from injury, while on-loan Inter Milan midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro also earns a spot.
The absences of Benjamin Fredrick with injury and William Troost-Ekong who announced his retirement ahead of the tournament, opened up spots for Igoh Ogbu and Ryan Alebiosu to make the team.
Maduka Okoye and Tolu Arokodare are surprise omissions, while Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface were also left out of the squad.
Nigeria will begin their campaign against Tanzania on the 23rd of this month, two days after the opening match of the tournament between Morocco and Comoros.
The Super Eagles are in group C and will also compete with Tunisia and Uganda, as all nations battle for a spot in the knockout round of the competition.
Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 Squad in Full:
GOALKEEPERS: Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho, Amas Obasogie.
DEFENDERS: Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ryan Alebiosu.
MIDFIELDERS: Wilfried Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Muhammed Usman, Alex Iwobi, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi.
FORWARDS: Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, Cyriel Dessers, Samuel Chukwueze, Salim Fago, Moses Simon, Vhidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu.

Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.


