Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has named a formidable 28-man squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman headlining a group stacked with attacking firepower.

The Super Eagles, runners-up at the last AFCON, open their Group C campaign on 23 December against Tanzania, before facing Tunisia and Uganda as they aim to secure early qualification for the knockout rounds.

With the top two progressing automatically—and four of the six third-placed teams also advancing—Nigeria enter the competition as one of the favourites to reach the latter stages.

Osimhen and Lookman lead feared forward line

Chelle’s squad reflects Nigeria’s remarkable depth in attack: nine forwards have been selected, including reigning African stars Osimhen (Galatasaray) and Lookman (Atalanta).

But there is no room for Bundesliga striker Victor Boniface, whose omission has drawn surprise, while new Wolves signing Tolu Arokodare also misses out.

Despite the abundance of attacking options, Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze, who recently scored twice against Manchester City, secures his place.

Paul Onuachu, Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers and Chidera Ejuke help form one of the most potent front lines in the competition.

Balance in midfield, experience in defence

Nigeria’s midfield features a blend of Premier League talent and rising European-based players.

Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and Brentford’s Frank Onyeka provide experience, while Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru strengthen the spine of Chelle’s team.

In defence, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi return, joined by emerging Blackburn full-back Ryan Alebiosu.

Injured Nwabali included

First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, currently sidelined at Chippa United, has been picked and is expected to return during the group stage.

He is joined by Francis Uzoho and Amas Obasogie.

A fourth AFCON crown in sight?

Nigeria last won the tournament in 2013 and reached the final in 2024.

With Chelle’s squad boasting experience, depth and high-profile talent, expectations are high as the Super Eagles prepare for a warm-up match against Egypt on 16 December before flying to Fes for their group fixtures.

The Super Eagles squad for #AFCON2025 is set.

Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and 26 others will fly the flag in Morocco under Eric Chelle.

Naija, let’s go again. 🦅🇳🇬#Naija4TheWin #LetsDoItAgain pic.twitter.com/eKR3IHOii6

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 11, 2025

FULL NIGERIA SQUAD FOR AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers

• Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)

• Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)

• Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus)

Defenders

• Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England)

• Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England)

• Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England)

• Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, Greece)

• Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France)

• Zaidu Sanusi (Porto, Portugal)

• Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

• Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)

Midfielders

• Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England)

• Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England)

• Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey)

• Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)

• Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)

• Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)

• Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, Italy)

• Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)

Forwards

• Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain)

• Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain)

• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy)

• Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England)

• Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey)

• Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)

• Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey)

• Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece)

• Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961, Croatia)