AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle Names Super Eagles’ Provisional Squad for Africa’s Biggest Football Tournament

In a much-anticipated announcement, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has revealed his provisional squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The squad, which includes a mix of established stars and emerging talents, will be hoping to bring glory to Nigeria at the continental showpiece, which is set to kick off later this month and run through to January 2026.

This year’s AFCON promises to be an exciting competition, and the Super Eagles will be looking to make a strong statement under Chelle’s leadership. With the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Tolu Arokodare leading the attacking charge, the squad has a solid blend of experience and youthful energy.

The highly competitive tournament is expected to be a tough test for the Nigerian side, but Chelle's squad includes several players capable of rising to the occasion. From proven goal scorers to midfield maestros, the Super Eagles have the talent to make a deep run in the competition.

Goalkeepers: Okoye, Nwabali, and Rising Stars

Chelle has called up five goalkeepers for the AFCON tournament, showing his confidence in the strength and depth of Nigeria’s goalkeeping pool. Maduka Okoye, a regular in the national team, remains the first-choice option between the sticks. His experience and shot-stopping ability have been invaluable for both club and country.

Stanley Nwabali, who has impressed in recent seasons, also earns a place in the provisional squad, alongside Amas Obasogie, Francis Uzoho, and Adebayo Adeleye. These keepers will be eager to prove themselves if given the chance to feature in the tournament, with the battle for the No. 1 spot still very much up for grabs.

Defenders: Solid and Versatile Options for Chelle

In the defensive department, Coach Chelle has selected a host of reliable and versatile defenders, with a mix of top-flight experience and youthful energy. The seasoned William Ekong, alongside Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi, is expected to anchor the defense. Ekong’s leadership and organizational skills at the back will be crucial in guiding the younger defenders through the pressures of AFCON.

Semi Ajayi and Ola Aina, both of whom are comfortable on the ball and possess an attacking threat down the flanks, add depth and tactical flexibility to Chelle's squad. Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Igoh Ogbu are also included, offering additional options in wide defensive positions, with their pace and energy key in both defensive duties and transitioning to attack.

Meanwhile, Chidozie Awaziem, Felix Agu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adekunle, and Emmanuel Michael have all earned spots based on their solid club performances. With such a wide range of defensive talents, Chelle will have plenty of options to adapt to different playing styles and match situations during the tournament.

Midfield: Powerhouses Ready to Dominate

The midfield is the engine room of the Super Eagles, and Coach Chelle has handpicked a talented group of midfielders who possess both flair and physicality. Leading the charge are the experienced Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Frank Onyeka. Iwobi’s creativity and ability to unlock opposition defenses will be vital for Nigeria’s attacking play, while Ndidi’s defensive solidity and positional awareness make him a key figure in the middle of the park. Onyeka, known for his box-to-box energy, will add an extra dimension to the midfield with his work rate and passing range.

Supporting them will be a group of rising stars, including Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Tochukwu Nnadi. These players have all shown promise in Europe’s top leagues and will be looking to make their mark on the continental stage. Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru, and Christantus Uche complete the midfield unit, providing Coach Chelle with several tactical options to break down opposition defenses and control the tempo of games.

Forwards: An Array of Dangerous Attackers

When it comes to attacking options, the Super Eagles are absolutely spoilt for choice. The striking department is packed with talent, and Coach Chelle will be hoping that his forwards can deliver the goals necessary to take Nigeria deep into the tournament.

At the forefront of the attack will be Victor Osimhen, Nigeria's prolific frontman, who has been in sensational form for Serie A club Napoli. Osimhen's clinical finishing, aerial ability, and power make him one of the most feared strikers in African football. Alongside him, Lookman Ademola, who has enjoyed a fruitful spell at Atalanta, and Tolu Arokodare, the rising star making waves in Europe, will add flair and pace to the Super Eagles' forward line.

Other attacking options include Moses Simon, who brings speed and creativity, as well as Samuel Chukwueze, whose dribbling and ability to take on defenders could be a game-changer. Cyriel Dessers, who has consistently found the back of the net for his club, Victor Boniface, Sadiq Umar, Nathan Tella, and Kelechi Iheanacho all provide Chelle with the versatility to approach any game with different attacking strategies.

Completing the list of forwards are Paul Onuachu, Taiwo Awoniyi, Abdulrasshed Shehu, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Philip Otele, Salim Fago, Ikwuemesi Chukwubuikem, and Adams Akor. Each one of these forwards has the potential to make an impact and add depth to the squad, ensuring that the Super Eagles have multiple options when it comes to breaking down opposition defenses.

Looking Ahead to AFCON 2025: What’s at Stake for the Super Eagles

As the Super Eagles prepare for the AFCON 2025, expectations will be high, and the road to lifting the prestigious trophy in January 2026 will be tough. With a strong, well-balanced squad at his disposal, Coach Eric Chelle will be aiming for nothing less than a deep run in the tournament, if not outright victory.

Nigeria has a rich history at the Africa Cup of Nations, with three titles to their name, and the Super Eagles will be hoping to add a fourth in what promises to be an exhilarating tournament. With key players like Osimhen, Iwobi, Ndidi, and Lookman all in fine form heading into the competition, the Super Eagles will be one of the teams to watch as the continent’s top footballing nations battle it out for supremacy.

AFCON 2025 kicks off in a few weeks, and the Super Eagles are ready to take the tournament by storm. The final squad will be trimmed down ahead of Nigeria's opening match, but for now, the provisional list shows that Nigeria has the talent to compete with the best Africa has to offer.

Stay tuned to NaijaSports.ng for all the latest updates, analysis, and news as the Super Eagles prepare for their AFCON campaign!

Full List of Super Eagles’ Provisional Squad for AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers:

• Maduka Okoye

• Stanley Nwabali

• Amas Obasogie

• Francis Uzoho

• Adebayo Adeleye

• Ebenezer Harcourt

Defenders:

• William Ekong

• Calvin Bassey

• Zaidu Sanusi

• Semi Ajayi

• Ola Aina

• Bright Osayi-Samuel

• Bruno Onyemaechi

• Igoh Ogbu

• Chidozie Awaziem

• Felix Agu

• Ryan Alebiosu

• Adeleke Adekunle

• Emmanuel Michael

Midfielders:

• Alex Iwobi

• Frank Onyeka

• Alhassan Yusuf

• Wilfred Ndidi

• Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

• Raphael Onyedika

• Ebenezer Akinsanmiro

• Tochukwu Nnadi

• Usman Muhammed

• Peter Agba

• Tom Dele-Bashiru

• Christantus Uche

Forwards:

• Ademola Lookman

• Samuel Chukwueze

• Victor Osimhen

• Moses Simon

• Victor Boniface

• Cyriel Dessers

• Sadiq Umar

• Nathan Tella

• Tolu Arokodare

• Chidera Ejuke

• Olakunle Olusegun

• Kelechi Iheanacho

• Taiwo Awoniyi

• Paul Onuachu

• Abdulrasshed Shehu

• Rafiu Durosinmi

• Ekeson Okorie

• Chisom Orji

• Philip Otele

• Salim Fago

• Ikwuemesi Chukwubuikem

• Adams Akor

As the Super Eagles aim for greatness, all eyes will be on this talented squad as they take on the continent’s best teams in a bid to reclaim the AFCON trophy. The journey starts now!