Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but the announcement has triggered widespread criticism over the exclusion of key players such as Maduka Okoye, Victor Boniface and Tolu Arokodare.
The squad, unveiled on Wednesday, features three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and nine forwards for the tournament scheduled for December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco. While the list includes several new faces, the absence of some established names has dominated public reaction.
Uzoho in, Okoye out
Francis Uzoho’s recall has been one of the most divisive decisions, with many fans questioning why Okoye—who has been in strong club form—was left out. Supporters argue he had done enough to earn a spot in the AFCON team.
Boniface, Arokodare omissions shock fans
In attack, the snubbing of Victor Boniface and Tolu Arokodare has further fuelled debate. Both players have enjoyed solid seasons, leading many to expect them to form part of Nigeria’s striking options.
Fresh talent included
Despite the controversy, Chelle’s list shows a clear intent to refresh the squad. Blackburn Rovers’ Ryan Alebiosu and Slavia Prague’s Igoh Ogbu make debut appearances in defence, signalling a rebuilding effort at the back.
The midfield receives a youthful boost with Inter Milan prospect Ebenezer Akinsanmiro earning his first senior call-up. He is joined by Usman Muhammed and Tochukwu Nnadi, while young striker Lawal Salim Fago also earns a maiden invitation.
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Full 28-man AFCON Squad
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders:
Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)
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