Head coach of Nigeria's Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has taken the first major step towards the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by announcing a 55-man provisional squad. The extensive list is packed with established stars, emerging talents, and a few surprises as the team prepares for the tournament in Morocco.
Star-Studded Provisional List Revealed
The initial roster, which will be trimmed down significantly, is led by captain William Ekong and features the attacking prowess of Victor Osimhen. The midfield engine room includes Wilfred Ndidi, while the last line of defense will be contested by goalkeepers like Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye. Other notable inclusions are defenders Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.
In a nod to domestic talent, Chelle has also called up several players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ebenezer Harcourt, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, and Adekunle Adeleke will have the chance to impress during the camp and fight for a spot in the final team.
Road to Morocco: Camp and Friendlies
The Super Eagles' preparation schedule is now taking shape. The squad is expected to arrive at a training camp in Egypt on December 10th. In the lead-up to the tournament's kick-off on December 21st, the team will play a series of friendly matches to fine-tune tactics and build cohesion.
Nigeria finds itself in Group C of the AFCON finals, where they will face Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. The competition promises to be fierce, and Chelle's final selections will be crucial to navigating the group stage successfully.
Full Squad Breakdown by Position
The provisional squad covers all areas of the pitch with depth and variety:
Goalkeepers (6): Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye, Francis Uzoho, Ebenezer Harcourt.
Defenders (12): William Ekong, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Felix Agu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adekunle Adeleke.
Midfielders (12): Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Tochukwu Nnadi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru.
Forwards (25): A formidable attacking unit featuring Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Olakunle Olusegun, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Abdulrasheed Shehu, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi, Philip Otele, Salim Fago Lawal, Emmanuel Michael.
The Final Cut Awaits
The most difficult task for Coach Eric Chelle lies ahead. In the coming days, he must reduce this 55-man list to a final squad of 28 players. This process will involve assessing fitness, form, and tactical fit before the team's departure for Morocco. The final squad announcement is eagerly awaited by millions of Nigerian football fans hoping for a successful campaign to bring home the AFCON trophy.
