Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu have been recalled to the Super Eagles as head coach Eric Chelle released Nigeria’s final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), according to Sunsports. However, Maduka Okoye and Genk striker Tolu Arokodare have been omitted from the squad for the tournament, scheduled to hold from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco. Chelle named three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and nine forwards, including several new faces introduced to strengthen the team across all departments. New Arrivals in Defence, Midfield and Attack In defence, Blackburn Rovers full-back Ryan Alebiosu earns his first invitation to the national team. He is joined by Slavia Prague centre-back Igoh Ogbu, another newcomer in the backline. The midfield also receives a boost with the inclusion of Inter Milan youngster and Remo Stars Academy graduate Ebenezer Akinsanmiro. He joins Israel-based Usman Muhammed and Tochukwu Nnadi, a former Flying Eagles standout. There is also a fresh addition in attack, with Croatia-based former Flying Eagles striker Lawal Salim Fago earning a debut call-up. Uzoho Returns; Nwabali Doubtful Uzoho, who last played for Nigeria in March 2024, returns to the team and forms part of the goalkeeping trio with Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali—whose availability remains uncertain due to fitness issues—and Amas Obasogie of Singida Black Stars. Experienced Core Intact Fulham defender Calvin Bassey is set for his second AFCON appearance and will lead a defensive unit featuring Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi and Porto full-back Zaidu Sanusi. In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika form the experienced core supporting the newer additions. Up front, reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen headlines the attack. He is joined by Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke. Cyriel Dessers of Panathinaikos retains his place, while Onuachu earns his first call-up under Chelle following his impressive form in Turkey. Nigeria in Group C Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda. As part of their preparations, the Super Eagles will hold a pre-tournament camp in Egypt and are expected to play an unofficial friendly against the Pharaohs on December 16. Nigeria will open their AFCON campaign on December 23 against Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. Tunisia will take on Uganda the same day at the Stade Annexe of Prince Moulay in Rabat. The group’s marquee fixture comes on December 27, when Nigeria face Tunisia in Fès, while Uganda and Tanzania clash simultaneously in Rabat.
Uzoho, Onuachu make Chelle list for AFCON 2025
