Nigeria will have enough reasons to go one step further than in the 2023 AFCON. The Super Eagles lost 2-1 to the Ivory Coast in the finals of the 2023 edition. The defeat under Jose Peseiro should have been compensated by a slot in the 2026 World Cup, but another broken heart followed.
Eric Chelle and his charges will have no excuse to lift the ultimate in Morocco. The Malian coach has named his final 28-man squad for the tournament, including one of the favourites.
The squad is headlined by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukueze of Fulham in attack. The trio is expected to form a formidable attack in Morocco.
In midfield, Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi of Besiktas and Brentford’s Frank Onyeka are included.
Nigeria’s defence will be led by Fulham’s dependable defender Calvin Bassey. FC Porto’s evergreen left back, Zaidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi of Hull City, and Bright Osayi-Samuel are all part of the team.
Skipper William Troost-Ekong, who played a pivotal role in the last AFCON, has retired from the national team. Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aiya is due to injury, will miss the tournament.
FULL NIGERIA SQUAD FOR AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus)
Defenders
Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)
Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England)
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)
Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France)
Zaidu Sanusi (Porto, Portugal)
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Midfielders
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)
Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England)
Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey)
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)
Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, Italy)
Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)
Forwards
Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain)
Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain)
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)
Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England)
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)
Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)
Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey)
Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece)
Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961, Croatia)
Nigeria in Group C will meet Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.
