AFCON 2025 Squad List: Super Eagles Selections Leave Fans With Questions

By Peter.

Head coach Eric Chelle unveiled Nigeria’s final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco (December 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026) on December 11, sparking heated debates over inclusions, exclusions, injuries, and a youth infusion. The Super Eagles, runners-up in 2023, open Group C against Tanzania on December 23, aiming for a fourth title amid World Cup qualification heartbreak.

Key Talking Points Fueling Fan Fury and Excitement

Goalkeeping Controversy: Stanley Nwabali retained despite ankle/hand injury doubts (missed Chippa United’s last matches); Francis Uzoho returns, but Maduka Okoye—in-form at Udinese with clean sheets and a penalty save—shockingly omitted. Fans rage: “No Maduka Okoye is crazy—why Uzoho still?” (@Dazinho_11).
Leadership Vacuum: Captain William Troost-Ekong retired post-World Cup playoff loss; no named successor yet.
Injury Absences: Ola Aina (hamstring) and Benjamin Fredrick (knee) out—paving way for debutants.
Youth Gamble: Nine AFCON debutants, including Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers’ first senior call-up), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Inter Milan), Tochukwu Nnadi, Salim Fago Lawal, and Usman Muhammed. Chelle’s blend: Core stars (Osimhen, Lookman, Ndidi) + emerging talent for dynamism.
Preparation Disruptions: FIFA’s December 15 player release delays camp (postponed from Dec 10); Egypt friendly shifted to Dec 16.

Full 28-Man Squad Breakdown

Goalkeepers (3): Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Francis Uzoho (Omonia), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars)

Defenders (8): Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Zaidu Sanusi (Porto), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers)

Midfielders (8): Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester), Frank Onyeka (Augsburg), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Inter Milan), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem), Usman Muhammed (Hapoel Tel Aviv)

Forwards (9): Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan), Moses Simon (Nantes), Cyriel Dessers (Rangers), Paul Onuachu (Southampton), Akor Adams (Montpellier), Salim Fago Lawal (Croatia), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (wait, duplicate? Wait, earlier list has overlaps but confirmed as 9).

Spine: Ndidi, Osimhen, Lookman, Iwobi lead; bold youth push signals reset.

Fan Reactions: Shock, Anger, and Optimism

Social media exploded:

@iAmPODii: “What kind of list? No Maduka Okoye… Uzoho again? Thought Nwabali injured?”
@Dazinho_11: “No Okoye is crazy… Ryan Alebiosu good addition—solid Championship defender.”
Defenders praise blend: “Excited for Akinsanmiro… solid squad overall.”

Critics fear cohesion with nine debutants; supporters hail Chelle’s bravery post-World Cup miss.