Official: Onuachu, Osimhen make Super Eagles preliminary squad for 2025 AFCON

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released a wide-ranging 54-man preliminary squad for next month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Malian tactician unveiled a blend of established internationals, long-absent returnees and several new faces hoping to force their way into the final cut.

The squad, announced via the team’s official social media platforms on Tuesday, includes an unusually large pool across every department – six goalkeepers, 13 defenders, 12 midfielders and 23 forwards – as Chelle continues to cast his net wide ahead of Nigeria’s final selection. 

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

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 2, 2025

There are no surprises in goal as Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie headline the group. They are joined by Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye and teenager Ebenezer Harcourt, whose inclusion points to Chelle’s commitment to building depth beyond his regular choices.

However, eyebrows are set to be raised in defence with the appearance of players already ruled out of the tournament. Felix Agu and Ola Aina, both expected to miss AFCON through injury, were listed nonetheless. 

Nigeria’s core defensive pillars remain intact. 

Captain William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, arguably the most trusted members of Chelle’s back line, retain their places. Newcomers Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adekunle and Emmanuel Michael also make the cut as the coach looks to widen competition for positions.

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Super Eagles: Midfield mix, star-studded attack and final selection challenge ahead

Midfield selections carry a familiar look. Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika, all mainstays since Chelle’s arrival in January, return once again, providing continuity and balance.

The Dele-Bashiru brothers, Tom and Fisayo, are included together for the first time, while promising youngsters Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi and Peter Agba earn maiden invitations after standout performances in Europe.

The attack, Nigeria’s most competitive department, is predictably stacked. 

African Footballer of the Year winners Victor Osimhen (2023) and Ademola Lookman (2024) lead a fearsome cast that also includes Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke and Tolu Arokodare. 

Forwards previously overlooked by Chelle, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Boniface, have been handed an opportunity to win the coach’s trust in the coming days.

New attacking prospects Philip Otele, Salim Fago, Ikwuemesi Chukwubuikem and Rafiu Durosinmi complete a forward pool brimming with form and versatility.

Chelle must now whittle this expansive group down to a maximum of 28, as required by CAF regulations. The 2025 AFCON begins on December 21, with Nigeria drawn in Group D alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania. After reaching the final in Côte d’Ivoire last year, and with their last continental triumph dating back to 2013, the Super Eagles enter Morocco with expectations high and pressure mounting.