Raphael Onyedika has been confirmed as part of Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after Club Brugge announced his inclusion on Monday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The development comes even as Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle continues to delay the official unveiling of his final list.
The Belgian club revealed via a statement on their official website that the midfielder received his invitation for the continental tournament.
It confirms the 24-year-old’s second appearance at a major competition with Nigeria, following his involvement in the squad that reached the final at AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast.
Onyedika featured only once during that campaign, playing the final 27 minutes of Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau, yet his growing importance at club level has kept him firmly in the national-team conversation.
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Raphael Onyedika: A reliable performer pushing for greater responsibility
Since making his international debut in September 2022, Onyedika has earned 17 caps and scored once for the Super Eagles.
At Club Brugge, he remains one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers in Europe, having already made 22 appearances this season, including three in the UEFA Champions League, while contributing two goals and one assist.
Despite that form, he still faces a battle for the trust of head coach Eric Chelle, who appears to rate Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka ahead of him in midfield hierarchy. Onyedika has only one full match under Chelle, the 1-1 friendly draw with Russia in June, while his other two outings came as late substitute appearances in World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
Chelle’s final 28-man squad is expected to include several regulars. In defence, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Zaidu Sanusi almost certainly make the cut. Captain William Troost-Ekong, who announced his retirement last week, is unavailable for selection.
In goal, uncertainty hangs over Stanley Nwabali, who is a major doubt due to injury. Should he withdraw, Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is in line to reclaim the No. 1 shirt.
The midfield picture is clearer: Ndidi, Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi remain automatic selections barring injury setbacks, while Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, his brother Tom, and Alhassan Yusuf are hoping to force their way in.
Chelle’s attack is the most competitive area. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze headline the forward line. Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, Terem Moffi, and Rafiu Durosinmi are among those battling for the remaining slots.
AFCON 2025 begins on December 21, with Nigeria opening their Group D campaign against Tanzania on December 23. Tunisia and Uganda complete the group.
