Football: Boniface, Aina dropped - Eric Chelle announces Nigeria’s final 28-man squad for AFCON 2025
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Wilfred Ndidi to lead Super Eagles at AFCON 2025
Following the heartbreak of losing the AFCON 2023 final and failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, pressure is firmly on Eric Chelle and the Nigerian national football team to produce a deep run at the upcoming tournament in Morocco later this month.
While the Nigerian Football Federation recently revealed that the target for the team is to reach the semi-final, many Super Eagles fans feel that anything less than winning the AFCON 2025 title will be another major disappointment. Don’t forget to check out our AFCON 2025 predictions for all the updated insights ahead of the tournament.
Chelle has now revealed the 28 players who will travel to Morocco to represent the nation in the continental showpiece in less than two weeks, and also confirmed that Besiktas midfielder Wilfred Ndidi will captain the team following the unexpected retirement of William Troost-Ekong.
The Super Eagles’ squad features several world-class players, headlined by African superstar striker Victor Osimhen, as well as Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Paul Onuachu, Cyriel Dessers, and Sevilla striker Akor Adams.
After an injury setback, Stanley Nwabali has been cleared fit and will be the team’s starting goalkeeper in Morocco, while Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem and Semi Ajayi, among others, will make up the team’s defensive unit.
Chelle has also handed opportunities to a handful of newcomers, such as Ryan Alebiosu from Blackburn Rovers and Remo Stars academy graduate Ebenezer Akinsanmiro. The most notable exclusions from the squad include Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare and Kelechi Iheanacho.
On paper, Nigeria have a squad that could (and probably should) go on to win AFCON 2025, yet despite the wealth of talent at their disposal, there are plenty of nerves among supporters, given their recent performances at big competitions.
Nigeria confirmed 28-man squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC); Simon Moses (Paris FC); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961)
