As Nigeria set their sights on a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, the Super Eagles approach the 2025 tournament in Morocco with a squad that blends experience, peak-performing stars, and exciting new talents ready to make their mark. The 28-man list reflects a careful balance between proven performers who have thrived on the continental stage and emerging players eager to seize their opportunity in green and white.
From dependable goalkeepers to a formidable attacking unit led by some of Africa’s most feared forwards, Nigeria’s squad offers depth, versatility, and ambition. Below is a comprehensive look at the players tasked with carrying the nation’s hopes at AFCON 2025.
Goalkeepers
Francis Uzoho – 19 caps
Uzoho burst onto the international scene in dramatic fashion in November 2017, replacing Daniel Akpeyi during a famous 4–2 friendly victory over Argentina. His rise was swift, as he went on to start all of Nigeria’s group matches at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He also featured at the 2019 AFCON, including the third-place playoff win against Tunisia.
However, injuries between 2019 and 2021 stalled his progress, and criticism followed Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Though he regained form during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers, he eventually lost his starting role at the finals to Stanley Nwabali. Now part of the squad again, Uzoho brings valuable tournament experience.
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United) – 27 caps
Nwabali’s ascent has been defined by perseverance. After earning his first cap in a 2021 friendly against Mexico, he truly announced himself at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. His heroics in the semi-final penalty shootout against South Africa earned him man-of-the-match honours and sent Nigeria into the final.
Commanding, composed, and vocal, the 29-year-old established himself as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper. Despite recent fitness concerns, he remains the likely starter under head coach Eric Chelle.
M
Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars) – Uncapped
Obasogie earned his call-up on the back of an outstanding 2023–2024 NPFL season with Bendel Insurance, where he kept a league-record 18 clean sheets and was named best goalkeeper. Subsequent moves to Ethiopia and Tanzania enhanced his reputation, particularly as a penalty specialist. Though uncapped, his performance in a friendly against Egypt suggested he is ready if called upon.
Defenders
Semi Ajayi (Hull City) – 46 caps, 1 goal
Ajayi’s journey began with Nigeria’s U-20 side in 2013 before his senior debut in 2018. A pillar of the defence at the 2023 AFCON, he played every minute of Nigeria’s seven matches as the team finished runners-up. Strong aerially and calm in possession, Ajayi remains a reliable presence.
Calvin Bassey (Fulham) – 37 caps, 1 goal
Eligible for three countries, Bassey committed to Nigeria in 2021 and debuted during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Ghana. He is the only Nigerian player to have played every minute of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers so far. His strong Premier League form makes him a key figure heading into the tournament.
Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes) – 36 caps, 1 goal
Since debuting in 2017, Awaziem has featured at both the World Cup and multiple AFCON tournaments. Despite Nantes’ struggles, his individual performances have been impressive. His versatility—capable of playing centrally or at right-back—adds tactical flexibility.
Zaidu Sanusi (Porto) – 26 caps
Sanusi broke into the national team in 2020 and quickly established himself as a regular left-back. He featured prominently at the 2021 AFCON and played six matches during Nigeria’s run to the final in 2023. His pace and attacking runs down the flank remain key assets.
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City) – 25 caps
Osayi-Samuel made his debut in 2022 against Portugal and featured five times at the last AFCON. Comfortable on either wing-back position, his energy and athleticism provide valuable defensive and attacking balance.
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos) – 20 caps
Making his debut in September 2023, Onyemaechi featured at the 2023 AFCON and has steadily grown in confidence at international level, offering another dependable option at the back.
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague) – 1 cap
A former U-20 international, Ogbu gained senior exposure during the Unity Cup before making his official debut in a friendly against Russia. His physicality and European experience mark him as a defender with long-term potential.
Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers) – Uncapped
Born in England to Nigerian parents, Alebiosu opted to represent Nigeria after consistent performances in the Championship. He is the only uncapped defender in the squad and will be keen to impress if given an opportunity.
Midfielders
Alex Iwobi (Fulham) – 91 caps, 10 goals
Since his debut in 2015, Iwobi has become one of Nigeria’s most reliable performers. A veteran of multiple AFCON tournaments and the 2018 World Cup, his versatility, creativity, and composure make him indispensable as Nigeria aim to improve on their 2023 runner-up finish.
Frank Onyeka (Brentford) – 37 caps, 3 goals
Onyeka’s tireless work rate was central to Nigeria’s midfield success at the last AFCON, where he started all seven matches. His box-to-box energy offers defensive cover and attacking drive.
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) – 58 caps, 1 goal
One of Nigeria’s most tactically intelligent midfielders, Ndidi has been a fixture since 2015. Though injury ruled him out of the 2023 AFCON, his ball-winning ability and positional awareness make him the preferred holding midfielder when fit.
Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge) – 17 caps, 1 goal
At just 24, Onyedika is viewed as a key part of Nigeria’s midfield future. His Champions League experience with Club Brugge continues to strengthen his case for a bigger role.
Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem)
The Imo State-born midfielder earns his first senior call-up after steady progress through Bulgarian and Belgian football. Energetic and combative, he adds youthful drive to the midfield.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio) – 10 caps, 2 goals
Dele-Bashiru made an immediate impact early in his international career. Creative and technically sound, he offers an attacking midfield option with goal threat.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa) – 1 cap
A graduate of Remo Stars Academy, Akinsanmiro’s rise has been rapid. On loan from Inter Milan, he impressed in Serie A and made his international debut against Egypt.
Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias)
At 31, Muhammed finally earns a senior call-up after a career spanning Europe and Asia. He remains fondly remembered for his spectacular goal against Atletico Madrid in a 2018 friendly.
Forwards
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta) – 34 caps, 8 goals
One of Nigeria’s standout players at the last AFCON, Lookman’s goals powered the Super Eagles deep into the tournament. Named Africa Player of the Year in 2024, his pace and finishing are central to Nigeria’s title ambitions.
Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham) – 51 caps, 7 goals
Since debuting in 2018, Chukwueze has delivered in key moments, including a crucial goal against South Africa at the 2019 AFCON. Improved club form boosts confidence ahead of the tournament.
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) – 45 caps, 31 goals
Nigeria’s most feared striker, Osimhen is closing in on Rashidi Yekini’s all-time scoring record. After a prolific qualifying campaign, he heads to Morocco determined to cement his legacy.
Moses Simon (Paris FC) – 88 caps, 10 goals
A consistent presence since 2019, Simon’s experience, crossing ability, and work rate remain vital, especially against compact defences.
Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla) – 11 caps, 1 goal
Ejuke arrives in form after scoring in a pre-tournament win for Sevilla. His dribbling and directness provide an exciting option from the bench.
Akor Adams (Sevilla) – 4 caps, 2 goals
Adams has made a strong early impression, scoring twice in just four appearances. His physical style offers an alternative attacking threat.
Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor) – 25 caps, 3 goals
Standing at 2.01 metres, Onuachu is a unique weapon. One of Nigeria’s most in-form forwards in Europe, he provides aerial dominance and a different tactical option.
Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos) – 11 caps, 3 goals
Born in Belgium, Dessers committed to Nigeria in 2019 and now heads into his first official AFCON tournament, eager to contribute.
Salim Fago (NK Istra 1961)
Fago earns his place after an impressive spell in Croatia. While game time may be limited, his inclusion adds depth and youthful enthusiasm to the attacking unit.
With a squad rich in experience, talent, and hunger, the Super Eagles head to Morocco determined to reclaim continental glory and add a fourth AFCON title to Nigeria’s storied football history.
0 Comments