Striker Victor Osimhen will lead Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad to the upcoming 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Galatasaray striker, who is also Nigeria’s second record goalscorer, will lead the other 27 Eagles to the tournament, as Nigeria aim for a fourth AFCON title, and a first since 2013.
With Ekong retired and Benjamin Fredrick injured, Chelle has stuck with regulars like Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Meanwhile, Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England), who recently got his clearance to play for the Super Eagles, is also included in the squad.
Having been out-of-favour in recent months, Francis Uzoho makes a return to the AFCON tournament, and he is joined by the injured Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie in the goalkeeping department.
Former Beyond Limits midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, who has been enjoying Serie A football with Pisa, is also included. The Inter Milan loanee did not play for any of the age groups, but now has his chance with the senior men’s national team.
Striker Paul Onuachu also makes a return to the squad after a string of strong performances in the Turkish Super Lig for Trabzonspor.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to arrive at a training camp in Egypt, and they will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in a test match on December 16 before travelling to Morocco for the tournament that gets underway on December 21.
Nigeria, losing finalists at the last tournament in Cote d’Ivoire, is in Group C of the competition alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Nigeria’s group opener is against Tanzania on December 23 in Fes.
NIGERIA SQUAD FOR 35TH AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS MOROCCO 2025
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel); Tochukwu Nnadi (SV Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece);
