Head Coach Eric Chelle has made it official by announcing a preliminary team of 55 players for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, which is set to take place in Morocco. The team will be captained by William Ekong, and it includes some really exciting players like talented striker Victor Osimhen, the strong midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, and the reliable goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Chelle has also picked several promising young players to be part of this big squad. Goalkeepers Maduka Okoye and Zaidu Sanusi, along with defenders Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, will help make the team’s defense stronger. In the midfield, Frank Onyeka adds more strength. On the attack, experienced players like Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika will bring both skill and versatility. The team also features rising forwards such as Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, and Chidera Ejuke, who are expected to add creativity and offensive threat in the tournament.
As the Africa Cup of Nations approaches, many talented players from Nigeria’s Premier Football League are hoping to make a strong impression. Players like Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ebenezer Harcourt, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, and Adekunle Adeleke have caught the attention of fans, as they appear on the provisional team list for the competition.
Ademola Olajire, who is the Director of Communications for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), recently announced that Coach Chelle will soon be finalizing the team. He plans to select the final 28 players just days before the tournament, which has fans eagerly waiting to see who will make the cut.
The Super Eagles, which is Nigeria’s national football team, will begin their training camp in Egypt on Wednesday, December 10. This camp is essential for the team as they prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations. During this time, they will also participate in practice matches to help them bond and improve their skills.
The tournament will kick off on Sunday, December 21, in Morocco, where Nigeria’s Super Eagles will play in Group C. They will face tough teams like Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. With so much at stake, excitement is growing, and fans are eagerly looking forward to seeing how their team performs and aims for victory in this major tournament.
54-Man Provisional Squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali; Amas Obasogie; Maduka Okoye; Adebayo Adeleye; Francis Uzoho; Ebenezer Harcourt.
Defenders:
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:
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:
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;
The rest are: Cyriel Dessers; Abdulrasheed Shehu; Rafiu Durosinmi; Ekeson Okorie; Chisom Orji; Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi; Philip Otele; Salim Fago Lawal; Emmanuel Michael.
(NAN)
