Super Eagles head coach Éric Sékou Chelle has unveiled a bumper 54-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, giving himself maximum options ahead of the mandatory cut to a final 28-player list by December 11.
The list, released by the Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday, blends established stars with fringe and home-based players who will battle for inclusion during the pre-tournament camp in Cairo.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Stanley Nwabali, Ola Aina (back from injury), Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika are widely seen as automatic picks barring injury.
These names form the backbone of Chelle’s squad, with experience and consistency expected to anchor Nigeria’s campaign as they chase a fourth AFCON title.
Intense Battle for the Rest
The real drama lies in the competition for the remaining slots. Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye will attempt to dislodge Nwabali, while defenders Igoh Ogbu, Felix Agu, and Ryan Alebiosu push for inclusion.
Midfield is equally competitive, with Christantus Uche, Fisayo and Tom Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Alhassan Yusuf vying behind the locked-in trio of Ndidi, Iwobi, and Onyedika.
Up front, Chelle has opened the race to be Osimhen’s deputies. Paul Onuachu, Victor Boniface, Taiwo Awoniyi, Terem Moffi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Sadiq Umar, Cyriel Dessers, Nathan Tella, Akor Adams, and Tolu Arokodare are among those scrapping for what could be just five to seven striker slots.
Six home-based players have been handed a golden chance to impress: Abdulrasheed Shehu (Niger Tornadoes), Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos), Ekeson Okorie (Nasarawa United), Chisom Orji (Warri Wolves), Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors), and others.
Their inclusion reflects Chelle’s intent to broaden the pool and reward domestic talent, offering them exposure at the highest level.
Key Dates
- Camp opens in Cairo: 10 December
- Friendly vs Egypt: 14 December (Cairo Stadium)
- Final 28-man squad submission deadline: 11 December
- AFCON 2025 kicks off: 21 December
- Nigeria’s Group C: Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda
Full 54-Man Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye, Francis Uzoho, Ebenezer Harcourt
Defenders
William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Felix Agu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adekunle Adeleke
Midfielders
Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Tochukwu Nnadi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru
Forwards
Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Olakunle Olusegun, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Abdulrasheed Shehu, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi, Philip Otele, Salim Fago Lawal, Emmanuel Michael
Chelle now has less than two weeks to assess the hopefuls in training and the Egypt friendly before naming the final travelling party that will represent Nigeria in Morocco.
