By Kunle Solaja.
Nigeria named five debutants in a revamped 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with coach Eric Chelle opting for a bold injection of youth and first-time internationals following last month’s painful World Cup elimination.
Right back Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Usman Muhammed, and striker Salim Fago Lawal are all in line for their first-ever senior caps, marking one of Nigeria’s most dramatic squad overhauls in recent AFCON history.
While the squad retains star power through former African Footballer of the Year winners Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, it is the presence of the five newcomers that defines Chelle’s selection — a clear signal of renewal after the disappointment of missing the 2026 World Cup.
- Alebiosu, the 22-year-old Blackburn Rovers fullback, has impressed with his pace and defensive awareness.
- Akinsanmiro (Pisa) and Nnadi (Zulte Waregem) offer fresh midfield creativity and energy.
- Usman Muhammed has risen rapidly with the Israeli side Ironi Tiberias.
- Salim Fago Lawal, the Istra 1961 striker, is rewarded after a strong club season and is viewed as one of the most exciting young centre-forward prospects in Nigerian football.
These inclusions can be described as “hungry, dynamic players ready to fight for the shirt.”
Experience Still Anchors the Squad
However, experience is not a discarded element as the core Super Eagles squad is still anchored on the usual suspects.
Veteran striker Paul Onuachu returns after an 18-month absence, lifted by his outstanding 11-goal haul for Trabzonspor that has made him the current top scorer in Turkey.
Lookman, Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Calvin Bassey also provide a spine of experience around which the debutants can grow.
Fitness Gamble on Nwabali
However, Nigeria faces uncertainty in goal. First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is still battling both ankle and hand injuries and has not played since the World Cup playoff defeat. His club coach in South Africa expressed doubts at the weekend about his fitness for the tournament, but Chelle has included him alongside Amas Obasogie and Francis Uzoho.
Nigeria will be without Benjamin Fredericks and Ola Aina both nursing injuries. William Troost-Ekong, retired from international football after the World Cup playoff loss and Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare will be Super Eagles’ notable absentees.
Super Eagles are already at an advantage in Group C as they will play all their group matches in Fes.
Group C Fixtures
The Super Eagles begin their AFCON campaign:
- Dec 23: vs Tanzania (Fez)
- Dec 27: vs Tunisia (Fez)
- Dec 30: vs Uganda (Fez)
FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars), Francis Uzoho (Omonia Nicosia)
Defenders:
Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto)
Midfielders:
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias), Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Frank Onyeka (Brentford)
Forwards:
Akor Adams (Sevilla), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla), Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Moses Simon (Paris FC)
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