Five new faces in Nigeria's AFCON squad

by Staff Reporter

Friday Dec 12, 2025. 15:00

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has made a few surprise calls in naming his 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations which includes five new faces.

Still, Chelle has no shortage of quality attackers at his disposal after selecting the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon, while Paul Onuachu and Cyriel Dessers have been recalled.

However, there is no space for Victor Boniface or Tolu Arokodare, with Ola Aina also missing out as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained against South Africa in September which required surgery.

Chelle is also without William Troost-Ekong (retired) and Benjamin Fredrick (injury) in defence and has turned to Ryan Alebiosu, who is one of the five new call-ups alongside Usman Muhammed, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi Salim Fago Lawal.

First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is included as well despite being sidelined through injury himself, although he’s expected to feature in the group stages.

The Super Eagles were drawn in Group C and will kick off their title challenge against Tanzania on December 23 before taking on Tunisia and Uganda.

Nigeria squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Francis Uzoho;

Defenders: Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Ryan Alebiosu;

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed;

Forwards: Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Cyriel Dessers, Salim Fago Lawal.