Nigeria Unveils 54-Man Preliminary Squad for AFCON 2025

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has released a massive 54-man preliminary squad for the upcoming 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, setting the stage for intense competition as the Super Eagles prepare for the tournament in Morocco later this month.

The Franco-Malian coach has opted for depth and versatility across all departments, blending experienced internationals with returning absentees and a wave of fresh talent. Under CAF rules, the squad must be reduced to a final list of 28 players ahead of the tournament kick-off on 21 December.

Nigeria, last year’s runners-up in Ivory Coast and chasing their first AFCON title since 2013, will compete in Group D alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.

---

A Broad Selection — With Two Injured Stars Included

The provisional roster includes 6 goalkeepers, 13 defenders, 12 midfielders and 23 forwards, making it one of the largest preliminary squads Nigeria has ever assembled.

Two surprising names on the list are full-backs Felix Agu and Ola Aina, both of whom are expected to miss the tournament through injury. Their inclusion has sparked debate among fans and analysts.

Core defenders William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi return to anchor the back line, joined by rising talents such as Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adekunle, Emmanuel Michael and Igoh Ogbu.

---

Goalkeepers: Stability and the Rise of a 16-Year-Old Prospect

The goalkeeping department is led by Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie, with Francis Uzoho returning to the fold.

The standout inclusion is 16-year-old Ebenezer Harcourt, whose call-up signals Chelle’s emphasis on long-term development. He joins Adebayo Adeleye as part of a six-man group from which only three will make the final cut.

---

Midfield: Experience Meets New Energy

Nigeria’s midfield continues to offer a familiar backbone, with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka central to Chelle’s plans.

The squad also features exciting newcomers: Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi and Peter Agba receive their first senior invitations, while Christantus Uche and Usman Muhammed earn deserved call-ups after standout performances in Europe and the NPFL.

Notably, brothers Tom and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru appear together in an AFCON squad for the first time.

---

A Loaded Forward Line Led by Osimhen and Lookman

The attack remains Nigeria’s strongest department, spearheaded by African Footballer of the Year winners Victor Osimhen (2023) and Ademola Lookman (2024).

The depth is immense, with established attackers such as Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi and Terem Moffi all vying for places.

The door has also been opened to emerging forwards including Philip Otele, Salim Fago, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Rafiu Durosinmi and Ikwuemesi Chukwubuikem.

With 23 forwards named, Chelle faces some of his toughest decisions yet.

---

High Expectations Ahead of Morocco 2025

After falling just short in the last edition, Nigeria enters AFCON 2025 with significant pressure to deliver. Chelle’s expanded list reflects both Nigeria’s deep talent pool and the challenge of moulding a cohesive unit before a demanding group stage.

The coming weeks will determine who survives the cut to the final 28. For now, the battle for spots is officially underway — and it promises to be one of Nigeria’s most competitive in years.

---

Nigeria’s Preliminary Squad for AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers:
Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie, Francis Uzoho, Ebenezer Harcourt, Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye

Defenders:
Felix Agu, Zaidu Sanusi, William Troost-Ekong, Ajayi Oluwasemilogo, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adenkunle, Emmanuel Michael

Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru

Attackers:
Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Adams Akor, Chidera Ejuke, Olakunle Olusegun, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Abdulrraheed Shehu, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Philip Otele, Ikwuemesi Chukwubuikem, Salim Fago