Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has earned a surprise recall to the Super Eagles as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Thursday night released the country’s final 28‑man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Uzoho’s return comes as Maduka Okoye — who had been deputising for first‑choice keeper Stanley Nwabali — was left out of the squad entirely. Also making a comeback is in‑form striker Paul Onuachu, whose prolific run with Turkish side Trabzonspor secured his place.
The squad list, posted on the NFF’s verified X handle, features three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and nine forwards. Coach Eric Chelle opted for a blend of established stars and emerging talents as Nigeria prepares for the tournament scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Notable omissions include Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare and Kelechi Iheanacho, while 19‑year‑old midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro received his first senior call‑up.
Full Squad List
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); Fisayo Dele‑Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
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)
The Super Eagles will open their AFCON campaign on December 21 as they chase a fourth continental title.
