AFCON 2025: Onuachu returns, Akinsamiro makes cut as Chelle names 28-man squad
Paul Onuachu returns as Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle releases Nigeria’s 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Ola Aina, Maduka Okoye, and Kelechi Iheanacho were omitted, while rising midfielder Ebenezer Akinsamiro was promoted.
Key selections and surprise omissions
Chelle retained core starters Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and Zaidu Sanusi.
The door also opened for new faces Ryan Alebiosu, Tochukwu Nnadi, Akinsanmiro, and emerging Croatian-based striker Salim Fago Lawal.
Francis Uzoho, Igoh Ogbu, joined Onuachu on return to the setup, while established players Aina, Okoye, and Iheanacho miss out entirely.
Preparations and fixtures
Nigeria will face Egypt in a key assessment friendly on December 16 at Cairo International Stadium. The team will then proceed to Fès, Morocco, for Group C duties.
The Super Eagles open their campaign against Tanzania on December 23, confront Tunisia on December 27, and conclude group action versus Uganda on December 30.
Full 28-man squad
Goalkeepers
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC)
Defenders
Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Zaidu Sanusi (Porto), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers)
Midfielders
Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias)
Forwards
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Moses Simon (Paris FC), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla), Akor Adams (Sevilla), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos), Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra)
