Osimhen and Lookman Lead Nigeria’s Squad for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have announced a 28-man squad, headlined by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Morocco. The team will begin their Group C campaign on December 23rd against Tanzania, followed by matches against Tunisia on December 27th and Uganda on December 30th.
The Super Eagles are aiming to secure one of the two automatic qualifying spots from their group, with the best four third-placed teams from the six mini-leagues also advancing to the round of 16. Nigeria and Tunisia are widely considered the favorites to progress, leaving Tanzania and Uganda to compete for the final qualifying position.
Osimhen, currently playing for Turkish side Galatasaray, was recognized as the outstanding African player in 2023, while Lookman, of Italian club Atalanta, succeeded him in the honor this year. Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi was named the top African player in 2024.
Ivory Coast-born coach Eric Chelle has assembled a squad demonstrating significant attacking depth, selecting nine forwards. The roster is completed by three goalkeepers, eight defenders, and eight midfielders. Notably absent from the forward line are Victor Boniface of Bayer Leverkusen and recent Wolverhampton Wanderers signing Tolu Arokodare.
Premier League representation is strong, with Fulham contributing three players: centre-back Calvin Bassey, midfielder Alex Iwobi, and on-loan striker Samuel Chukwueze. Chukwueze, currently on loan from AC Milan, recently scored twice in a thrilling 5-4 defeat against Manchester City.
Despite a current injury, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, from South African Premiership side Chippa United, has been included in the squad. The team will also participate in a warm-up match against fellow AFCON contenders Egypt in Cairo on December 16th before traveling to Fes, Morocco, where they will play all their first-round matches.
Nigeria boasts a rich history in the AFCON, having secured victory three times, most recently in 2013 with a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in Johannesburg. They were runners-up in the 2023 tournament, falling to hosts Ivory Coast.
Full Squad List:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa Utd/RSA), Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars/TAN), Francis Uzoho (Omonia/CYP)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham/ENG), Semi Ajayi (Hull City/ENG), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City/ENG), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos/GRE), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes/FRA), Zaidu Sanusi (Porto/POR), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague/CZE), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers/ENG)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham/ENG), Frank Onyeka (Brentford/ENG), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas/TUR), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge/BEL), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem/BEL), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio/ITA), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa/ITA), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias/ISR)
Forwards: Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams (both Sevilla/ESP), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta/ITA), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham/ENG), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray/TUR), Moses Simon (Paris FC/FRA), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor/TUR), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos/GRE), Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961/CRO)
The Super Eagles will undoubtedly be among the teams to watch in Morocco, carrying the weight of expectation and a legacy of success as they pursue a fourth AFCON title.
