Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been named in the Super Eagles’ 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, easing concerns that he could miss the competition due to recent knee and arm injuries.
The list, released by Head Coach Eric Chelle, features a mix of established stars and fresh faces ahead of the tournament kicking off on December 21.
Nwabali’s inclusion followed late fitness assessments that confirmed he would be ready in time. His availability comes as a major boost, given his consistent presence in the team since the 2023 AFCON.
However, Kelechi Iheanacho, a long-standing squad member since 2015, is absent from the list as he continues to search for form at Celtic after leaving Leicester City.
Chelle’s selection includes key players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi.
There is also a recall for goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and returns for defender Igoh Ogbu and striker Paul Onuachu. England-based defender Ryan Alebiosu, along with Usman Muhammed, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi and Croatia-based forward Salim Fago Lawal, will be joining the team for their first senior tournament.
Nigeria will first regroup in Cairo for a friendly against Egypt on December 16, though the date may shift again depending on player availability following FIFA’s release-rule deadline of December 15.
The Eagles will then head to Fès for their Group C fixtures against Tanzania on December 23, Tunisia on December 27, and Uganda on December 30.
The squad includes goalkeepers Nwabali, Amas Obasogie and Uzoho; defenders Bassey, Ajayi, Awaziem, Osayi-Samuel, Onyemaechi, Sanusi, Ogbu and Alebiosu; midfielders Iwobi, Ndidi, Onyeka, Onyedika, Nnadi, Dele-Bashiru, Akinsanmiro and Muhammed; and forwards Osimhen, Lookman, Chukwueze, Simon, Ejuke, Adams, Onuachu, Dessers and Fago Lawal.
