Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced a 55 man preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as preparations intensify ahead of the tournament in Morocco.
The list, released on Tuesday 2nd December, through the official Super Eagles X Handle, includes a full combination of established stars, in form youngsters, and several surprise inclusions who have impressed in recent months.
Goalkeepers
Chelle has invited six goalkeepers led by Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali and Francis Uzoho. Amas Obasogie, Adebayo Adeleye and Ebenezer Harcourt complete the group. The final selection will be trimmed to three before the team departs for Morocco.
Defenders
The defence line features a strong mix of experience and versatility. Captain William Troost Ekong returns to lead the backline alongside Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina and Chidozie Awaziem.
Bright Osayi Samuel, Felix Agu, Ajayi Oluwasemilogo, Bruno Onyemaechi, Igoh Ogbu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adekunle and Emmanuel Michael also made the initial list.
Midfielders
Wilfred Ndidi headlines a competitive midfield department. Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi and Fisayo Dele Bashiru are also included.
There are places for Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, Christantus Uche, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed and Peter Agba. Tom Dele Bashiru has also been called up after his impressive form for Hatayspor.
Forwards
Coach Eric Chelle named a loaded attacking roster, giving Nigeria many options in the final third.
Victor Osimhen makes the squad pending full medical clearance. He is joined by Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella and Sadiq Umar.
Adams Akor, Tolu Arokodare, Chidera Ejuke, Olakunle Olusegun, Abdulrasheed Shehu, Rafi’u Durosinmi, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Philip Otele, Ikwuemesi Chukwuibuikem and Salim Fago complete the list.
The release of this preliminary squad is now the final stretch of preparations as the four time African champions aim for a strong showing in Morocco. The final squad is expected to be reduced to 27 players before the competition begins on December 23.
Coach Chelle’s selection is packed with a mix balance of experience, youth and raw attacking power.
All focus now shifts to the final cuts and the fitness updates of key players as the countdown to AFCON 2025 continues.
