Okoye, Boniface out as Chelle picks Nwabali, Onuachu, Osimhen, Ndidi, 24 others for 35th AFCON
Nigeria head coach Eric Sékou Chelle has released his 28‑man squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with Stanley Nwabali, Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Paul Onuachu among the headline inclusions.
Notably, Maduka Okoye and Victor Boniface miss out as Chelle settles on a blend of established stars, returning names and several first‑time call‑ups ahead of the tournament, which begins in just 10 days.
Chelle has kept faith with key defensive figures such as Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Chidozie Awaziem and Bright Osayi‑Samuel, while the midfield is anchored by Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele‑Bashiru.
In attack, Osimhen leads a strong frontline that also features Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams and Cyriel Dessers.
There is a return for goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defender Igoh Ogbu and striker Paul Onuachu, all of whom rejoin the squad after previous absences.
Chelle has also opened the door to several newcomers, including Ryan Alebiosu from England, Usman Muhammed from Israel, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro from Italy, Tochukwu Nnadi from Belgium and Croatia‑based forward Salim Fago Lawal, who will be linking up with the senior team for the first time.
The Super Eagles will continue their preparations with a high‑profile friendly against Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on December 16. Two days later, the team will fly to Fès, where they will be based for their Group C campaign.
Nigeria begin their AFCON journey against Tanzania on December 23, followed by clashes with Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30.
28 SUPER EAGLES FOR 35TH AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS MOROCCO 2025
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo 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)
