Victor Osimhen will spearhead Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles as Nigeria head to Morocco for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, a campaign driven by the hunger for a fourth continental title and the first since 2013.

The Galatasaray forward, now Nigeria’s second all-time leading scorer, headlines a 28-man list packed with familiar faces, emerging talents, and a few surprise recalls.

With William Troost-Ekong retired and Benjamin Fredrick sidelined by injury, Chelle keeps faith with defensive regulars such as Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. One of the notable additions is Ryan Alebiosu of Blackburn Rovers, who recently received his clearance to represent Nigeria.

In goal, Francis Uzoho makes a return to the AFCON stage despite recent struggles, joining Amas Obasogie and the injured-but-included Stanley Nwabali in the goalkeeping department.

One of the most interesting inclusions is Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, the former Beyond Limits midfielder now shining in Serie A with Pisa. Without a single youth-team appearance for Nigeria, the Inter Milan loanee has earned his first senior call-up.

Up front, Chelle welcomes back Paul Onuachu, whose impressive run of form with Trabzonspor has pushed him back into contention.

The Super Eagles will head to Egypt for a pre-tournament camp, where they will face the Pharaohs in a friendly on December 16, before jetting off to Morocco for the tournament kickoff on December 21.

Nigeria, runners-up at the previous edition in Côte d’Ivoire, will compete in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Their opening match is against Tanzania on December 23 in Fes.

Nigeria Squad for AFCON 2025 (Morocco)

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);

Moses Simon (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)