Super Eagles squad announcement: Aina, Okoye, Iheanacho out; Akinsamiro in as Chelle names 28-man AFCON squad

Super Eagles head coach Eric Sékou Chelle has announced Nigeria’s 28-man roster for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.

The squad features attacking firepower from Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, and defender Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and Zaidu Sanusi are also included.

Chelle has also handed opportunities to new faces, including Ryan Alebiosu, Tochukwu Nnadi, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Croatia-based forward Salim Fago Lawal.

Notably, Cyprus-based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defender Igoh Ogbu, and striker Paul Onuachu return to the fold.

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

The Super Eagles will test their readiness in a friendly against Egypt at Cairo Stadium on December 16 before heading to Fès for Group C.

Nigeria opens against Tanzania on December 23, faces Tunisia on December 27, and closes the group stage against Uganda on December 30.

The Super Eagles squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)

Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Semi 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)