Chelle Unveils Super Eagles AFCON Squad: Big names missing as Nigeria targets fourth title

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations reached a crucial milestone on Thursday when head coach Eric Chelle named his final 28-man squad for the tournament in Morocco.

The announcement, coming ten days before the competition kicks off, features a blend of established stars and emerging talent while generating significant debate over several high-profile omissions.

The Franco-Malian tactician has retained the core of Nigeria’s recent campaigns, including goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman cafonline. Also making the cut are Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon.

*Notable Returns and Fresh Faces*

The squad features the comeback of Francis Uzoho, Igoh Ogbu and Paul Onuachu, signaling Chelle’s willingness to recall experienced players. Four players will experience their first major senior tournament: Ryan Alebiosu strengthens the defensive options, while Usman Muhammed, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Tochukwu Nnadi bolster the midfield. Salim Fago Lawal provides additional attacking variety.

*Surprise Exclusions Dominate Headlines*

The final selection has sparked intense discussion due to prominent absences. Most notably, captain William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football last week, bringing an end to a distinguished decade-long career. The defender earned 83 caps and scored eight goals, captaining Nigeria to the 2023 AFCON final where he was named Player of the Tournament.

Troost-Ekong dismissed social media speculation that he was forced out, insisting his decision was entirely personal and voluntary. The 31-year-old’s absence leaves a significant leadership void as Nigeria pursues continental glory.

Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, despite impressive performances in Italy, failed to secure a spot among the three keepers. None of the Nigeria Premier Football League hopefuls—including Ebenezer Harcourt, Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ekeson Okorie and Chisom Orji—survived the final cut. In attack, prominent strikers Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface and Tolu Arokodare were all excluded. Team officials attributed these decisions to form, fitness considerations and tactical requirements.

*Tournament Context and Pressure*

The tournament carries extra significance after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the World Cup playoffs triggered widespread criticism, with former captain John Mikel Obi openly blaming the Nigeria Football Federation for “mismanagement and corruption”. The NFF subsequently apologized and promised a full internal review.

The NFF has expressed full support for the Super Eagles, urging players to put the World Cup disappointment behind them. President Bola Tinubu asked Nigerians to shift their focus to the tournament, while Peter Obi encouraged the team to rise again.

*Pre-Tournament Preparations*

Nigeria will face Egypt in Cairo on December 16 in a modified friendly allowing expanded substitutions, following FIFA’s decision that clubs can hold players until December 15. The match was originally scheduled for December 14 but was postponed due to the adjusted FIFA release date rules.

Following the Egypt friendly, the team departs for Fès on December 18, where all Group C fixtures will be played at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. Nigeria opens their campaign on December 23 against Tanzania, before facing 2004 champions Tunisia on December 27 and 1978 finalists Uganda on December 30.

*Group Stage Outlook*

Nigeria finds itself in a competitive Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania. While the Super Eagles enter as favorites based on squad strength and past pedigree, analysts expect no easy matches. All four teams possess the quality to advance to the knockout stages, setting up what could be a tightly contested group.

This marks Chelle’s first major tournament as Nigeria coach. The 48-year-old faces considerable scrutiny given the caliber of players at his disposal and the weight of expectation from Nigerian supporters desperate for a fourth AFCON title—their first since 2013.

*Final 28-Man Squad:*

*Goalkeepers:* Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Francis Uzoho

*Defenders:* Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Ryan Alebiosu

*Midfielders:* Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed

Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, Paul Onuachu, Cyriel Dessers, Salim Fago Lawal

With a star-studded attack led by superstar striker Osimhen and 2024 African Footballer of the Year Lookman, combined with Premier League experience throughout the squad, Nigeria possesses the talent to challenge for the trophy. Whether Chelle can transform this potential into silverware remains the burning question facing African football’s sleeping giant.