Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named striker Victor Osimhen, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in a final list of 28 players for the upcoming 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco (AFCON 2025), Bold Sports reports.
Chelle had released a provisional 54-man list last week, but with the tournament now only a few days away, the coach has cut the squad down to the required final size.
Captain William Troost-Ekong does not make the squad as expected after announcing his international retirement while Nottingham Forest fullback Ola Aina misses out on the final squad with injury. Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare are also among the notable absentees.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali makes the final list despite earlier concerns he could miss the tournament due to hand and ankle injuries. Amas Obasogie is also included alongside Francis Uzoho who returns to the squad.
More Read
With the International retirement of Troost-Ekong, Fulham star Calvin Bassey leads the defense and is expected to play a huge role at the AFCON. He is joined by Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, and newly invited right back Ryan Alebiosu.
Wilfred Ndidi, who has captained the Super Eagles in recent matches, leads the midfield call-ups, joined by Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru makes the squad after returning from injury, while youngster Ebenezer Akinsanmiro who plays in the Serie A with Pisa earns his first call-up. Usman Muhammed and Tochukwu Nnadi complete the new faces in midfield.
Leading the attack, Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen is joined by regulars Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon. Paul Onuachu and Cyriel Dessers return to the squad, while Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke are also included.
The only new face in attack is former Nigeria U20 forward Salim Fago Lawal, now plying his trade with Croatian side NK Istra 1961. The 22-year-old has recorded six goals and two assists in 18 games across all competitions this season.
The Super Eagles will begin their preparations for the AFCON at a training camp in Egypt, where they will take on the Pharaohs in a friendly on December 16. They will then travel to Morocco for the tournament, which kicks off on December 21.
Nigeria is placed in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. They will open their campaign against Tanzania on December 23 in Fes.
NIGERIA FINAL SQUAD FOR 35TH AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS MOROCCO 2025
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel); Tochukwu Nnadi (SV Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece).
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
