Nigeria’s road to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has taken a decisive turn with the release of the Super Eagles’ official 27-man squad, a list that blends power, balance and the unmistakable imprint of a team ready to make another deep run on the continent.
Coach Eric Chelle’s selection tells a clear story: the Super Eagles are entering Morocco with a squad built on tactical flexibility, fierce competition for places, and a refreshing injection of youth.
The goalkeeping department retains its familiar hierarchy, as Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho and Amas Obasogie form a trio that offers both experience and depth. Nwabali remains the standout after his heroic rise in the last tournament, but Obasogie’s inclusion serves as a bold reminder that domestic league excellence still counts at national level.
In defence, the coach opts for a solid, athletic mix of Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi and Chidozie Awaziem, while the likes of Bruno Onyemaechi, Igo Ogbu and Bright Osayi-Samuel inject modern full-back dynamism. One of the most interesting additions is Ryan Alebiosu, whose call-up marks one of the clearest new directions in Chelle’s blueprint, rewarding young, versatile players capable of operating in multiple defensive roles.
The midfield group is where Chelle’s tactical identity becomes clearest, as Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka bring steel and structure, but the creativity and control come from Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika. Adding fresh legs to the mix is teenage sensation Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, whose confident displays in Italy have earned him a deserved first AFCON ticket, another of the new call-ups.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Toochukwu Nnadi and Mohammed Usman round out a midfield unit built to transition quickly and dominate high-intensity battles. For Nnadi and Usman, this AFCON marks a new chapter, as they too break into the squad as newcomers, raising excitement among fans who have followed their rapid rise.
Up front, the firepower remains Nigeria’s most dangerous weapon, Victor Osimhen, he leads the line relentlessly, electrifying and hungry for continental glory, supported by a cast that blends pace, flair and unpredictability: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke and Cyriel Dessers. A special mention goes to Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams, two players who clawed their way back into contention with consistent club form, earning a place among the recalled players.
Their aerial presence and penalty-box instincts give Chelle a wider array of options. The surprise of the attacking roster is Salim Fago, whose emergence earns him a first-time AFCON appearance, rounding off the list of new call-ups and adding a youthful spark to Nigeria’s frontline.
Chelle’s final squad is a statement of intent. It rewards form over reputation, balance over sentiment and competition over comfort, by blending regulars with revived contenders and bold new talents, the Super Eagles step into AFCON 2025 as a team capable of reinvention without losing its identity.
Nigeria carries into Morocco not just the hope of replicating past successes, but the belief that this group, hungry, athletic, and carefully crafted may be the one to take the nation even further.
With a squad this deep, every position tells a story, Every call-up has meaning And every player arrives ready to fight for the green and white on Africa’s biggest stage.
