Nigeria name 54-man preliminary squad as Eric Chelle casts wide net for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has announced a 54-man preliminary squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, signalling fierce competition for places as the Super Eagles prepare for this month’s tournament in Morocco.
The Franco-Malian manager has opted for depth across every position, inviting established internationals, long-term absentees and a wave of newcomers as he assesses his final options.
Under CAF regulations, Chelle must reduce the group to a maximum of 28 players before the tournament begins on 21 December.
Nigeria, runners-up in Ivory Coast last year and seeking their first continental title since 2013, will compete in Group D alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle announces his Africa Cup of Nations preliminary squad. pic.twitter.com/Y5WNgVIQ4b
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 2, 2025
A wide-ranging squad — and two injured players included
Nigeria’s extended list features 6 goalkeepers, 13 defenders, 12 midfielders and 23 forwards, one of the largest preliminary squads the country has ever named for an AFCON campaign.
While the goalkeeping department contains no major surprises, the defensive selection has drawn attention.
Felix Agu and Ola Aina, both expected to miss the tournament through injury, are nonetheless included — a decision that has raised eyebrows among supporters and pundits.
Chelle’s key defensive leaders, including William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, all return to anchor the back line.
They are joined by emerging defenders Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adekunle, Emmanuel Michael and Igoh Ogbu, who has enjoyed a strong year in Europe.
Goalkeepers: established names and a rise for 16-year-old Harcourt
The goalkeeping unit will be headed by Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie, with Francis Uzoho also recalled.
The most notable inclusion is 16-year-old Ebenezer Harcourt, whose selection underlines Chelle’s desire to expand Nigeria’s long-term options between the posts.
He joins Adebayo Adeleye as part of a six-man unit from which only three are expected to make the final squad.
Midfield balance and new talent breaking through
Nigeria’s midfield options continue to offer stability and familiarity.
Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika remain central to Chelle’s tactical plans, providing experience and composure.
They are joined for the first time by promising youngsters Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi and Peter Agba, while Christantus Uche and Usman Muhammed also earn call-ups after impressing in Europe and the domestic league.
Brothers Tom and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru feature together in the squad for the first time.
An overflowing forward line led by Osimhen and Lookman
The attack — Nigeria’s strongest and most competitive department — is headlined by two African Footballer of the Year winners: Victor Osimhen (2023) and Ademola Lookman (2024).
They are joined by an exceptionally deep forward pool that includes Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Taiwo Awoniyi, Terem Moffi, Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, Nathan Tella and others pushing for final selection.
Chelle has also opened the door for new attacking prospects: Philip Otele, Salim Fago, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ikwuemesi Chukwubuikem, Ekeson Okorie and Chisom Orji, each hoping to force their way into the final 28.
The size of the attacking list — 23 forwards — underscores both Nigeria’s depth and the difficult decisions ahead for Chelle.
Super Eagles face pressure and expectation in Morocco
After reaching the final in Cote d'Ivoire in the last edition, Nigeria enter AFCON 2025 with high expectations from supporters and analysts alike.
Chelle’s expansive preliminary list reflects both the depth of talent available and the challenges of building cohesion ahead of a demanding group stage.
The weeks ahead will determine who earns a place in the final 28. For now, Nigeria’s AFCON journey begins with the biggest selection battle the squad has seen in years.
Nigeria’s preliminary squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers:
Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie, Francis Uzoho, Ebenezer Harcourt, Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye
Defenders:
Felix Agu, Zaidu Sanusi, William Troost-Ekong, Ajayi Oluwasemilogo, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adenkunle, Emmanuel Michael
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru
Attackers:
Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Adams Akor, Chidera Ejuke, Olakunle Olusegun, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Abdulrraheed Shehu, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Philip Otele, Ikwuemesi Chukwubuikem, Salim Fago