Head Coach Eric Sékou Chelle has released Nigeria’s 28-man squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, with the tournament set to begin in just 10 days. The list features a blend of established stars and exciting newcomers, as Stanley Nwabali, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and Zaidu Sanusi headline the roster. Chelle also included key contributors such as Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, Samuel Chukwueze, and Simon Moses.
There were notable returns and fresh inclusions, with Francis Uzoho, Igoh Ogbu, and Paul Onuachu recalled to the squad. First-time call-ups include England-based defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Tochukwu Nnadi, as well as Croatia-based forward Salim Fago Lawal. The balance of experience and youthful talent reflects Chelle’s long-term rebuilding process aimed at restoring Nigeria’s continental dominance.
As part of their final preparations, the Super Eagles will take on the Pharaohs of Egypt in a high-profile friendly at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday, 16 December. The team will then depart for Fès , their base for Group C, on a chartered flight. Nigeria will open its AFCON campaign against Tanzania on 23 December, before facing Tunisia on 27 December and wrapping up the group stage against Uganda on 30 December.
With three AFCON titles in the trophy cabinet and a squad brimming with talent, expectations are high as Chelle’s team heads to Morocco. Fans are eager to see how this refreshed and revitalized Super Eagles side will perform on the big stage, with hopes of reclaiming a continental crown that has eluded Nigeria for over a decade.
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961 (Croatia)
