The Super Eagles are heading to Morocco not just to compete but to rebuild. Coach Eric Chelle’s final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, released on Thursday, signals the beginning of a new era for Nigerian football following the heartbreak of missing out on the 2026 World Cup.
After trimming an earlier 54-man provisional list, Chelle has settled on 28 players whose blend of youth, experience and raw potential reflects a team in transition. The squad includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and nine forwards, but the choices tell a deeper story than numbers.
The omission of Maduka Okoye and Tolu Arokodare once seen as rising mainstays underscores Chelle’s commitment to form and readiness over reputation. At the same time, the returns of Francis Uzoho and Paul Onuachu show that redemption is very much part of the coach’s plan.
Chelle has also boldly opened the door to a younger generation.
Defenders Ryan Alebiosu and Igoh Ogbu, midfielders Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed and Tochukwu Nnadi, and forward Lawal Salim Fago represent the fresh injection of hunger the team lacked during the World Cup qualifiers.
Despite the wave of new names, Chelle has kept the backbone of the side intact.
Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem and Zaidu Sanusi return to marshal the defence, while the midfield retains its familiar structure around Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Up front, the trusted firepower of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon remains central to Nigeria’s ambition.
The inclusion of Cyriel Dessers, despite recent criticism, signals Chelle’s belief that every player deserves a chance to respond with character.
And with Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke in support alongside the returning Onuachu the attack carries multiple dimensions.
The NFF has also stepped in with a message heavy with emotion and expectation.
Still bruised from the failed World Cup bid especially the penalty shootout loss to DR Congo the Executive Committee has urged the players to use Morocco as the setting for a comeback.
They have been tasked to “forget the unfortunate ending to the FIFA World Cup playoffs” and seize the opportunity to restore national pride. For a team that struggled through a tense 10-game qualifying journey, the AFCON presents both a challenge and a cleansing.
Nigeria’s AFCON journey begins in Group C, where they face Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda.
A training camp in Egypt and an unofficial friendly with the Pharaohs on December 16 will shape the team’s final preparation before they open their campaign against Tanzania on December 23 in Fès.
The marquee clash against Tunisia on December 27 could determine the group’s balance, with all final games set for December 31.
