AFCON 2025: Okoye dropped for Uzoho as Eric Chelle confirms Osimhen, 26 other Super Eagles for Morocco

Nigeria's Super Eagles are primed for battle at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with head coach Eric Sékou Chelle unveiling a potent 28-man team headlined by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and a host of proven stars. 

The three-time champions kick off their Group C campaign in just 10 days, and Chelle's selections blend experience with fresh talent to chase continental glory.

Key pillars of the squad include goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in goal, a rock-solid defence anchored by Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and Zaidu Sanusi, midfield enforcers Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, plus attacking dynamos Osimhen and Lookman. 

Chelle also trusts defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Simon Moses to drive the campaign.

Notable returns feature Cyprus-based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho stepping in ahead of Maduka Okoye, defender Igoh Ogbu, and towering forward Paul Onuachu. First-timers injecting new energy are England defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed (Israel), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Italy), and Tochukwu Nnadi (Belgium), alongside Croatia's Salim Fago Lawal up top.

The Eagles sharpen their claws with a high-stakes friendly against Egypt's Pharaohs at Cairo Stadium on Tuesday, December 16, before jetting to Fès as their Group C base. Their group gauntlet opens against Tanzania's Taifa Stars on December 23, followed by Tunisia's Carthage Eagles (December 27) and Uganda's Cranes (December 30).

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); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)

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); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961 (Croatia)