Nigeria have announced a strong 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman topping a list packed with attacking talent.
The Super Eagles, runners-up at the last tournament, begin their Group C campaign on 23 December against Tanzania before taking on Tunisia and Uganda.
With the top two teams guaranteed a place in the knockout stages – and four of the six best third-placed teams also advancing- Nigeria head into the competition as one of the favourites to go deep once again.
Osimhen and Lookman headline Nigeria’s stacked forward line
Coach Eric Chelle has leaned heavily on Nigeria’s attacking depth, selecting nine forwards for the tournament. Osimhen, now at Galatasaray, and Atalanta’s Lookman once again carry the team’s biggest goal threat.
The squad does, however, include some notable omissions. Victor Boniface misses out despite strong Bundesliga form, and Wolves’ new signing Tolu Arokodare has also been left out.
Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze, who recently hit a brace against Manchester City, makes the cut, joining Paul Onuachu, Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers and Chidera Ejuke in what is likely to be one of the most feared front lines in Morocco.
Midfield blend and experienced defence offer stability
Chelle has gone for balance in midfield, combining Premier League experience with rising European-based players.
Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka provide leadership, while Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru strengthen the team’s central core.
In defence, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi all return to the squad. They are joined by Blackburn Rovers full-back Ryan Alebiosu, one of the fresh faces making his way into the national team.
Injured Nwabali included as Nigeria chase fourth AFCON title
First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been named in the squad despite being sidelined at Chippa United. Nigeria expect him to be fit during the group stage.
He will compete with Francis Uzoho and Amas Obasogie for the starting role.
Nigeria last lifted the AFCON trophy in 2013 and reached the final earlier this year. With a squad filled with experience, depth and proven match-winners, expectations are high.
The Super Eagles will play a warm-up match against Egypt on 16 December before travelling to Fes for their group fixtures.
FULL NIGERIA SQUAD FOR AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus)
Defenders
Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France)
Zaidu Sanusi (Porto, Portugal)
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Midfielders
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England)
Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey)
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, Italy)
Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)
Forwards
Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain)
Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain)
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England)
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)
Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey)
Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece)
Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961, Croatia)