Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Sekou Chelle, yesterday unveiled a massive 55-man provisional squad from which he is expected to name his final 28-man list of players for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), according to a report from This Day (Lagos), distributed by AllAfrica.
The announcement comes with the tournament, scheduled to hold in Morocco, barely eighteen days away to kickoff.
Chelle’s decision to list such an extensive provisional squad—including several uncapped players—has been viewed critically, especially given his recent leadership which saw the Super Eagles through a failed 2026 World Cup qualification misadventure.
The report notes that this decision is “likely to again blow up in his face,” particularly as other participating nations, such as Cameroon, DR Congo, and even South Africa, have already named their final squads for the 35th AFCON.
The provisional list is split between familiar faces and a large contingent of rookies. Expectedly, the bulk of the regulars from Chelle’s recent failed World Cup qualifiers are included.
These usual suspects feature key players such as Captain William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), ace forward Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), midfielder Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa).
Several established players are also back in the fold. These include goalkeeper Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy), defenders Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), and Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England). The midfield and forward lines see the return of players like Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England), Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England), Simon Moses (Paris FC, France), and Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain).
The list of fresh rookies called up is extensive. Notable European-based inclusions are:
Defender Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
Midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy)
Midfielder Peter Agba (Maccabi Haifa, Israel)
Midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru (Gençlerbirligi SK, Turkey), brother of Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Forward Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen, Czech Republic)
Forward Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi (OH Leuven, Belgium)
Forward Philip Otele (FC Basel, Switzerland)
Forward Emmanuel Michael (Linzer Athletik SK, Austria)
The squad also features players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), including Abdulrasheed Shehu (Niger Tornadoes), Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos), Ekeson Okorie (Nasarawa United), Chisom Orji (Warri Wolves), and Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors).
A final list of 28 players will be drawn from this provisional selection “in a matter of days.” The Super Eagles are scheduled to arrive at a training camp in Egypt a week from today (Wednesday, 10th December).
The team is expected to play a couple of friendly matches before the tournament officially begins on Sunday, 21st December.
However, the team faces potential complications. “Already, there are speculations that most of the top players may not be available for the tune up matches as their clubs who will lose them for the one month duration of the 2025 AFCON are not willing to release them for the pre-tournament camping in Egypt.”
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been placed in Group C of the tournament, where they will compete against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.