Maduka Okoye, Arokodare, Aina and other notable omissions from Super Eagles’ final AFCON squad

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have released their official 28-man squad list for the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.

Coach Eric Chelle initially released a 54-man preliminary list two weeks ago, just before captain William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from the Nigerian National team.

The Franco-Malian's first list included regular faces in the Super Eagles team like Ekong, Ola Aina, Tolu Arokodare and Terem Moffi, but a huge chunk of these stars were cut out, causing a stir in the Nigerian sports space.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle announces his Africa Cup of Nations preliminary squad. pic.twitter.com/Y5WNgVIQ4b

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 2, 2025

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Notable omissions from Super Eagles' final AFCON squad

Given that the AFCON 2025 will be held over the winter period in Europe, it is understandable that some clubs would rather have their African players stay.

Clubs like Sunderland in the English Premier League will be without seven key players, and that could be crucial over the next six weeks. They're currently 9th in the English top-flight.

Still, there are big surprises in the Nigerian setup, which will obviously stir debates if the Super Eagles play poorly when the tournament kicks off.

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

Maduka Okoye

Stanley Nwabali's wrist and ankle injuries meant the Udinese goalkeeper finally had his chance to reclaim the number one spot for Nigeria heading into the AFCON tournament.

The 26-year-old has also had a run of games for Udinese lately, keeping two clean sheets in his last eight games, unlike Nwabali, who's yet to play for Chippa United since the November International break.

Still, Okoye was not a part of the three goalkeepers chosen by Eric Chelle. Nwabali, Amas Obasogie and Francis Uzoho were preferred.

Tolu Arokodare

The Wolverhampton Wanderers striker made his Super Eagles debut in March 2025 and has become a mainstay for Eric Chelle since then.

However, he didn't make the final 28-man squad list despite playing 10 games for Nigeria between March and November.

Perhaps his lack of goal and gametime at the Molineux played a part. Paul Onuachu, Cyriel Dessers, Akor Adams and Salim Fago were picked ahead of the former Genk man.

Felix Agu

The Werder Bremen defender had been ruled out after suffering a syndesmosis ligament injury, which meant he had to undergo surgery.

His inclusion in the preliminary squad came as a surprise, but it only made sense to see him excluded from the final squad, given he's yet to return to training.

Ola Aina

Another injury victim. The Nottingham Forest full-back suffered a hamstring injury back in September and was tipped to return to action just before the AFCON 2025 tournament.

The 29-year-old had returned to training with the club, but perhaps his lack of gametime played a role in why he wasn't chosen.

Birmingham's Bright Osayi-Samuel and Blackburn Rovers' Ryan Alebiosu are Nigeria's right-backs heading into the AFCON 2025 tournament.

Christantus Uche

The Crystal Palace midfielder has struggled to seal his place as a starter for the Eagles in the English Premier League this season, but it was expected that his physical profile would provide another option to the set of players Eric Chelle already has at his disposal.

The 22-year-old will continue to press on for Oliver Glasner's men while his teammates battle for the AFCON trophy in Morocco.

Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Muhammad Usman, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika were Chelle's chosen central-midfield options.

Away from William Troost-Ekong, who announced his retirement from the National team, the other notable inclusions have barely played football for their club sides.

Alhassan Yusuf's last game for New England Revolution came two months ago. Likewise, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi and Nathan Tella.

Victor Boniface and Terem Moffi have had some minutes under their belts, but their poor goalscoring form sees them miss out.