AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle Releases Provisional Super Eagles Squad Featuring Star-Studded Lineup
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled his provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to kick off later this month and run through January 2026.
The provisional list, announced via the Super Eagles’ official X account on Tuesday, features a strong mix of experience, rising talents, and Europe-based stars—an early indication that Nigeria intends to chase the trophy with full force.
Leading the attack are some of the continent’s most lethal forwards including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Tolu Arokodare, while the striking department is packed with depth from the likes of Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface, Taiwo Awoniyi, Cyriel Dessers, Kelechi Iheanacho, Sadiq Umar, and others.
In goal, fans will be eager to see the battle between Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali, both of whom have impressed in recent months. They are joined by Amas Obasogie, Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye, and Ebenezer Harcourt.
The midfield boasts creativity and balance, with Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, and exciting prospects such as Christantus Uche and Tom Dele-Bashiru.
On the defensive end, Chelle has gone for a blend of leadership and youth, calling up William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and several young defenders such as Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adekunle, and Emmanuel Michael.
The final squad will be trimmed as the tournament draws closer.
Full Provisional Squad
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.
Opinion: Chelle’s Bold Squad Shows Ambition—but Now He Must Build Chemistry
If there’s one message Eric Chelle is sending with this provisional list, it’s simple: Nigeria is coming for the AFCON crown.
The squad is rich—arguably one of the deepest and most talented provisional lists Nigeria has produced in recent years. From Osimhen’s world-class finishing to Lookman’s clutch performances, from Ndidi’s engine in midfield to Ekong’s leadership at the back, the weapons are all there.
But talent alone doesn’t win tournaments.
What Nigeria has often lacked is cohesion, tactical fluidity, and a clear identity. With so many attacking options, Chelle faces the delicate challenge of choosing the right combinations—and more importantly, building chemistry quickly. The midfield balance will be crucial, and the defensive unit must remain disciplined, especially with new faces included.
Still, fans have every reason to feel optimistic. The blend of experience, youth, and raw firepower makes this team one of the most exciting in Africa.
If Chelle can turn this impressive list on paper into a cohesive unit on the pitch, the Super Eagles may finally be ready to reclaim their place at the top of African football.
