The head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has officially announced his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), in Morocco, trimming down his earlier 50-man provisional list to the tournament-required roster.
The announcement, which came shortly before the December 10 submission deadline, has generated major discussion across Nigerian football circles—especially due to the absence of a long-serving leader.
Troost-Ekong’s Absence Dominates Headlines
The most notable omission from Chelle’s final list is former captain, William Troost-Ekong, who announced his retirement from international football last week. Troost-Ekong has been a defensive pillar for the Super Eagles for nearly a decade, and his leadership played a vital role in Nigeria’s journey to the 2023 AFCON final.
Chelle paid tribute to the outgoing skipper during the squad unveiling:
“Troost-Ekong served this nation with passion and dignity. His retirement leaves big shoes to fill, but we respect his decision and move forward with confidence,” he said.
With Ekong’s departure, the responsibility of leadership falls on the two remaining vice-captains: Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Osimhen, both of whom made the final squad.
Chelle’s Selection Philosophy
Chelle emphasized that his squad selection was based strictly on form, fitness, and tactical adaptability.
The squad is a blend of experienced Europe-based professionals, rising stars from top leagues, and in-form talents from emerging clubs across the world.
FULL 28-MAN SUPER EAGLES SQUAD FOR AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers (3)
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Stanley Nwabali – (Chippa United, South Africa)
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Amas Obasogie – (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
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Francis Uzoho – (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders (9)
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Calvin Bassey – (Fulham FC, England)
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Semi Ajayi – (Hull City, England)
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Bright Osayi-Samuel – (Birmingham City, England)
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Bruno Onyemaechi – (Olympiakos, Greece)
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Chidozie Awaziem – (Nantes FC, France)
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Zaidu Sanusi – (FC Porto, Portugal)
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Igoh Ogbu – (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
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Ryan Alebiosu – (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Midfielders (9)
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Alex Iwobi – (Fulham FC, England)
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Frank Onyeka – (Brentford FC, England)
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Wilfred Ndidi – (Besiktas FC, Turkey)
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Raphael Onyedika – (Club Brugge, Belgium)
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Tochukwu Nnadi – (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
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Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – (SS Lazio, Italy)
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Ebenezer Akinsanmiro – (Pisa SC, Italy)
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Usman Muhammed – (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)
Forwards (9)
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Ademola Lookman – (Atalanta BC, Italy)
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Samuel Chukwueze – (Fulham FC, England)
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Victor Osimhen – (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
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Simon Moses – (Paris FC, France)
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Chidera Ejuke – (Sevilla FC, Spain)
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Akor Adams – (Sevilla FC, Spain)
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Paul Onuachu – (Trabzonspor, Turkey)
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Cyriel Dessers – (Panathinaikos FC, Greece)
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Salim Fago Lawal – (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)
What Comes Next for the Super Eagles
The squad will link up later this month for a final training camp, where Chelle is expected to fine-tune his tactical system. Nigeria has been drawn into a challenging group, but optimism remains high given the depth and versatility of the squad.
With a solid mix of emerging talents, European regulars, and proven match-winners like Osimhen and Lookman, the Super Eagles enter AFCON 2025 as genuine contenders.