Morocco 2025: Uzoho, Onuachu Return as Chelle Releases Final 28-Man AFCON Squad
Head coach Eric Chelle has named his final 28-man Super Eagles squad for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, with Victor Osimhen leading Nigeria’s title chase.
The Nigeria Football Federation released the list on Thursday ahead of CAF’s November 11 deadline.
Despite recent injury concerns, first-choice keeper Stanley Nwabali made the squad. In a surprise move, Maduka Okoye was dropped, allowing Francis Uzoho to return after over a year out.
Defensive changes include Igoh Ogbu’s recall following William Troost-Ekong’s retirement and Benjamin Fredrick’s injury, while Ryan Alebiosu earned his first call-up.
New faces also feature in midfield—Usman Muhammed, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi and Salim Fago Lawal.
In-form striker Paul Onuachu, with 11 league goals for Trabzonspor, headlines the returning forwards.
Nigeria will face Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania in Group C, opening against Tanzania on December 23 in Fès.
Defenders:
Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC 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); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel); Tochukwu Nnadi (SV Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece)
