By Victor Okoye
Head Coach Eric Chelle has named Captain William Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Stanley Nwabali in a 55-man provisional squad for AFCON 2025.
He also listed Maduka Okoye, Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika for the tournament in Morocco.
The squad features Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses and Chidera Ejuke among the forwards selected by the Super Eagles’ technical team.
Nigeria Premier Football League stars Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ebenezer Harcourt, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji and Adekunle Adeleke are also included.
According to a statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications on Tuesday, Chelle is expected to trim the provisional squad to 28 players in the coming days ahead of the continental showpiece.
“The Super Eagles will open camp in Egypt on Wednesday, Dec. 10, to begin preparations for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations.
“The team will play friendly matches during their camp before the tournament kicks off on Sunday, Dec. 21, in Morocco.
“Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda at the month-long championship.”
54-Man Provisional Squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye, Francis Uzoho, Ebenezer Harcourt.
Defenders:
William Ekong, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Felix Agu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adekunle Adeleke.
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Tochukwu Nnadi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru.
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Olakunle Olusegun, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella.
The rest are: Cyriel Dessers, Abdulrasheed Shehu, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi, Philip Otele, Salim Fago Lawal, Emmanuel Michael. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh
