AFCON 2025: Chelle Releases 54-Man Preliminary Super Eagles List

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced a 54-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, signaling the beginning of a fierce battle for places as Nigeria prepares for another continental campaign.

The list—released on Tuesday by the Nigeria Football Federation—features a familiar blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents both home and abroad, underlining Chelle’s plan to maintain a strong core while giving new faces an opportunity to impress before the final squad is trimmed to between 24 and 28 players.

Leading the headline names are captain William Troost-Ekong, star striker Victor Osimhen, midfield anchor Wilfred Ndidi, and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Other established figures such as Maduka Okoye, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, and Chidera Ejuke also make the cut and are widely expected to retain their spots for the tournament.

Chelle also handed opportunities to several domestic league standouts, including Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ebenezer Harcourt, Adekunle Adeleke, Ekeson Okorie, and Chisom Orji, who will look to break into the final squad during the team’s preparations.

Core Group vs. Contenders

The backbone of the provisional squad still reflects the group that featured in Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup playoff campaign—now one player short following Benjamin Fredrick’s injury. The return of Ola Aina from injury further solidifies the defensive unit.

Beyond this core, competition remains tight:

• Goalkeepers such as Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye, and Ebenezer Harcourt will battle to displace the established shot-stoppers.

• Defenders like Igoh Ogbu, Felix Agu, and Ryan Alebiosu must prove tactically sound to force their way in.

• Midfield options including Christantus Uche, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tom Dele-Bashiru, and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro face a tough test to earn roles behind automatic picks like Ndidi and Iwobi.

• Attackers face the fiercest selection fight, with a long list of forwards—Paul Onuachu, Sadiq Umar, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, and Kelechi Iheanacho—all competing for limited spots behind Osimhen.

Balancing firepower with tactical flexibility remains one of Chelle’s biggest challenges, especially given Nigeria’s past reliance on Osimhen as the primary goal threat.

Preparation Ahead

The Eagles will open camp in Egypt on December 10, with a friendly lined up against the host nation at Cairo Stadium on December 14. Nigeria’s AFCON journey begins in Group C, where they will face Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.

CAF requires all teams to submit their final 24–28-man squad by December 11, with the option of naming four standby players.

With only days left before the final list is confirmed, the coming week promises intense competition as players attempt to convince Chelle they deserve a seat on the flight to Morocco—and a shot at delivering Nigeria’s fourth continental title.