The head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has released a large provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking the start of Nigeria’s preparations for the continental tournament. The list, made public on Tuesday through the team’s official X account, features a mix of experienced players, rising stars, and several returning names hoping to make the final cut.
AFCON 2025 begins later this month and will run until January 2026. With the tournament fast approaching, football fans across the country have been waiting for the squad announcement, especially as Nigeria aims to reclaim its place among Africa’s top football nations. The Super Eagles last won the AFCON title in 2013 and finished as runners-up at the 2023 edition hosted in Côte d’Ivoire.
The provisional list shows strong competition in the forward line, with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, and Tolu Arokodare among the big names expected to lead the attack. Osimhen, who missed parts of the last AFCON due to injury, remains the team’s most influential goal scorer. Lookman, fresh from his impressive club form, is expected to provide creativity and pace, while Arokodare adds height and physical presence.
Other attacking options include Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Nathan Tella, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Paul Onuachu. Chelle has also added several young attackers such as Philip Otele, Adams Akor, Abdulrasshed Shehu, and Salim Fago, giving him a wide pool of options ahead of final selections.
Nigeria has often been known for producing strong attacking players, and the depth of this provisional squad shows that the tradition remains alive. Analysts believe the challenge for Chelle will be choosing the right mix of speed, strength, and creativity to face top African teams.
In the goalkeeping department, Chelle has included Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali, both of whom have impressed at club level in recent months. Nwabali, who became a fan favourite after his strong performance at AFCON 2023, is expected by many Nigerians to retain his position as first-choice goalkeeper.
Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye, Amas Obasogie, and Ebenezer Harcourt complete the list of goalkeepers. With six goalkeepers invited, it is clear the coaching crew wants healthy competition before narrowing the group down to three for the tournament.
Nigeria’s midfield for the tournament is anchored by experienced players such as Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Frank Onyeka. Ndidi brings stability and ball-winning ability, while Iwobi adds creativity and playmaking experience. Onyeka provides energy, defensive cover, and strong movement in the middle of the pitch.
The provisional list also features Alhassan Yusuf, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru, and Christantus Uche. The inclusion of several young midfielders signals Chelle’s intention to blend experience with youth as the team prepares for a long tournament.
In defence, familiar names such as William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel are part of the squad. These players formed the backbone of Nigeria’s defence during the last AFCON, where the team conceded only a few goals before losing in the final.
Other defenders on the list include Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Felix Agu, Igoh Ogbu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adekunle, and Emmanuel Michael. Chelle will be aiming to build a defensive unit that is strong, organised, and capable of handling the pressure of facing tough opponents such as Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria.
AFCON 2025, which will be hosted in Morocco, is expected to feature some of the strongest teams in Africa, making the tournament highly competitive. The Super Eagles will be under pressure to perform after coming close to lifting the trophy in 2023. Nigeria has three AFCON titles — 1980, 1994, and 2013 — and fans have been eager for a fourth.
The announcement of the provisional squad also comes at an important time for Nigerian football. Eric Chelle, who was appointed earlier this year, is still building his squad and testing different combinations. The provisional list offers him a chance to assess players’ form, fitness, and readiness before selecting the final 25-man squad.
Nigeria’s football fans have reacted with excitement and debate, especially because the list includes both regulars and several new faces. Many supporters believe the squad has the depth needed to compete at the highest level, while others are eager to see how Chelle manages team selection, tactics, and player chemistry.
Full List of Super Eagles’ Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye, Ebenezer Harcourt.
Defenders:
William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Chidozie Awaziem, Felix Agu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adekunle, Emmanuel Michael.
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru, Christantus Uche.
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Cyriel Dessers, Sadiq Umar, Nathan Tella, Tolu Arokodare, Chidera Ejuke, Olakunle Olusegun, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Paul Onuachu, Abdulrasshed Shehu, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Philip Otele, Salim Fago, Ikwuemesi Chukwubuikem, Adams Akor.
