Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle on Tuesday released an expansive 48-man provisional squad to commence preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to start later this month and conclude in January 2026.
The list, which features a blend of established European stars and domestic league talents, was announced via the Nigerian national team’s official X account, marking the first major step in the team’s journey towards the continental tournament.
Attack Stacked with Star Power
Chelle’s selection focused heavily on the attacking front, calling up 21 forwards. Leading the line are highly decorated players, including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, signaling a strong intent to build a formidable strike force.
The midfield selection also confirmed the inclusion of crucial playmakers such as Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina, Leicester City’s midfield anchor Wilfred Ndidi, and Everton’s Alex Iwobi. The large size of the squad is standard practice, allowing the coach ample time to assess fitness and form before trimming the group down to the final tournament roster.
Among the goalkeepers, both Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye were named, ensuring competition for the number one shirt.
The Full Provisional Squad List
The technical committee will now begin the process of finalizing the list ahead of the mandatory deadline for the AFCON competition.
Goalkeepers (6):
Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye, Ebenezer Harcourt.
Defenders (13):
William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Chidozie Awaziem, Felix Agu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adekunle, Emmanuel Michael.
Midfielders (12):
Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru, Christantus Uche.
Forwards (23):
Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Cyriel Dessers, Sadiq Umar, Nathan Tella, Tolu Arokodare, Chidera Ejuke, Olakunle Olusegun, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Paul Onuachu, Abdulrasshed Shehu, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Philip Otele, Salim Fago, Ikwuemesi Chukwubuikem, Adams Akor.
