Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released a 54-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, setting up fierce competition for places in the final 28-man list.
The Nigeria Football Federation announced the squad on Tuesday, highlighting a blend of trusted regulars and new faces as Chelle looks to strengthen the core of the team while assessing emerging talents from the domestic league and overseas clubs.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali headline the call-up and are expected to form the spine of a side widely seen as strong contenders for the title.
Other established internationals named include Maduka Okoye, Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke, all of whom are viewed as near-certainties for the final squad.
Chelle has also given opportunities to several home-based players such as Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ebenezer Harcourt, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji and Adekunle Adeleke, who will battle to convince the coaching crew that they deserve a place in Morocco.
The provisional list underlines a clear divide between a core group of near-guaranteed selections and a larger group of hopefuls fighting for the remaining slots, particularly in positions where depth and recent form are still being tested.
Many of those who featured in Nigeria’s recent World Cup qualifying play-off squad – now trimmed to 23 players after Benjamin Fredrick’s injury – remain central to Chelle’s plan, while the return of Ola Aina from injury further boosts the defensive unit.
For the rest of the squad, competition is intense across all departments. Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye and Ebenezer Harcourt must impress to challenge the current first choices, while defenders such as Igoh Ogbu, Felix Agu and Ryan Alebiosu need to show reliability and tactical discipline.
In midfield, Christantus Uche, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tom Dele-Bashiru and others are jostling for limited spaces behind established names like Ndidi, Iwobi and Onyedika, with their ability to fit into Chelle’s style under close review.
The forward line is even more competitive, with in-form strikers Paul Onuachu, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella and Cyriel Dessers all pushing to join Osimhen and other regulars in the final attacking unit.
Given Nigeria’s history of relying heavily on Osimhen for goals, Chelle faces tough decisions in balancing proven scorers with fresh attacking options to build a front line capable of sustaining pressure throughout the tournament.
The Super Eagles will open camp in Egypt on December 10, ahead of a friendly match against the Pharaohs at the Cairo Stadium on December 14, before the AFCON kicks off on December 21.
Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, as they target a fourth continental crown.
CAF regulations require teams to submit a final list of 24 to 28 players by December 11, with up to four additional players allowed as optional reserves at the federation’s discretion.
In the coming days, only players who show consistency, fitness and quality in training and warm-up games will join the core stalwarts expected to lead Nigeria’s campaign in Morocco.
About the author
Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji, wife welcome triplets
Reports say the couple welcomed three baby boys and are overjoyed at the arrival of their children. The births come after intense public speculation about their family life and repeated online rumours over the years. Lateef and Mo Bimpe, who got married in 2021, had often faced pressure and insensitive comments about not having children yet. Many fans are now describing the triplets as a testimony and a reward for the couple’s patience and faith. Videos and photos shared online show the actors expressing gratitude to God and thanking well‑wishers for their prayers and support. They have, however, kept details such as the exact birth date and the babies’ names private for now. Colleagues from the movie industry, bloggers and fans have continued to celebrate the news, turning it into one of the most talked‑about celebrity stories of the week. […]
150 emerging talents grace NewHope Naija tourney
The inaugural NewHope Naija Football Club Scouting Tournament has showcased 150 emerging talents from academies in Lagos and Ijebu Ode at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan. The three day event drew more than 10 scouts from European and Chinese clubs, who watched closely for the next generation of Nigerian stars. Players from 12 football academies displayed their skills in tightly contested matches designed to test technique, game intelligence and mentality. Organisers said the format allowed scouts to see how youngsters perform under pressure in a competitive environment. Chen Yaosheng, President of Nationwide League One side NewHope Naija FC, said the tournament was created to give talented players a direct platform to be discovered. He expressed confidence that several participants will earn opportunities abroad based on their performances. Consultant to NewHope Naija FC and CEO of Henry 707 Sport Limited, Henry […]
EPL: Arsenal seek to ramp up heat on Man City in title race
Mikel Arteta’s side ended a poor domestic run with a hard fought 1 0 win over Newcastle United last weekend. That result kept them three points ahead of City, who still have a game in hand. According to data analysts Opta, Arsenal remain slight favourites to finish the season as champions if they win their remaining matches. However, any slip up against Fulham or in their final three games could swing the momentum decisively back towards Pep Guardiola’s team. Arsenal have struggled to score freely in recent weeks, failing to net more than once in any league match since mid March. City, by contrast, have hit form at the right time and are scoring with far greater ease. After facing Fulham, Arsenal still have tricky fixtures, including an away clash at West Ham United that many pundits see as their […]
Salah ‘deserves big send off’, says Liverpool boss Slot
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says Mohamed Salah deserves a big send off from supporters as the Anfield legend nears the end of his time at the club. The Egyptian forward is widely expected to leave in the summer after nine trophy laden years on Merseyside. Salah recently suffered a muscle injury in Liverpool’s 3 1 win over Crystal Palace, prompting fears he might have played his last game for the club. Slot however insisted he is hopeful the 33 year old will return before the end of the campaign so fans can say goodbye properly. The Dutch coach praised Salah’s professionalism and huge contribution since arriving from Roma in 2017. He said the forward has earned the right to a special farewell because of his goals, consistency and role in Liverpool’s modern success. Salah has scored more than 250 goals […]
Salah ‘deserves big send off’, says Liverpool boss Slot
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says Mohamed Salah deserves a big send off from supporters as the Anfield legend nears the end of his time at the club. The Egyptian forward is widely expected to leave in the summer after nine trophy laden years on Merseyside. Salah recently suffered a muscle injury in Liverpool’s 3 1 win over Crystal Palace, prompting fears he might have played his last game for the club. Slot however insisted he is hopeful the 33 year old will return before the end of the campaign so fans can say goodbye properly. The Dutch coach praised Salah’s professionalism and huge contribution since arriving from Roma in 2017. He said the forward has earned the right to a special farewell because of his goals, consistency and role in Liverpool’s modern success. Salah has scored more than 250 goals […]
Supreme Court judgment: Rivers ADC shifts focus to winning 2027 polls
The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress says it is now fully focused on winning the 2027 general elections after a Supreme Court judgment restored the party’s David Mark led national leadership. The ruling set aside an earlier Court of Appeal order that had asked all factions to maintain the status quo in the party’s leadership crisis. Rivers ADC chairman elect Dr Chukwudi Dimkpa described the Supreme Court decision as a welcome development and a major relief for members. He said the verdict provides a clear and lawful pathway for the party to organise itself and prepare for the next polls. The apex court held that the Court of Appeal acted outside its jurisdiction when it issued fresh directives after already dismissing the appeal before it. Justices of the Supreme Court called the status quo order unnecessary, unwarranted […]
Related
La FTF met fin au mandat de Nibombé Daré
La Fédération Togolaise de Football (FTF) a annoncé, le 29 décembre 2025, la fin de sa collaboration avec le sélectionneur de l’équipe nationale A, Nibombé Daré, ainsi que son staff technique. Cette décision intervient à l’issue de plusieurs mois marqués par des performances jugées insuffisantes et par de nouveaux revers dans les campagnes de qualification majeures. Dans un communiqué officiel, l’instance dirigeante du football togolais précise que cette décision résulte d’une évaluation menée par son comité technique. L’analyse des résultats a notamment relevé la non-qualification des Éperviers pour la Coupe d’Afrique des Nations Maroc 2025, ainsi qu’un parcours en demi-teinte lors des éliminatoires de la Coupe du Monde FIFA United 2026. Selon la FTF, les objectifs fixés au départ n’ont pas été atteints. Nibombé Daré avait été nommé en juillet 2024, dans un contexte déjà difficile, après le départ du […]
Fed’s Lisa Cook Battles Trump’s Firing Attempt
Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook will head to federal court on Friday to seek an emergency temporary restraining order to block her removal by President Donald Trump. The move comes as part of a legal battle over the president’s attempt to fire her from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Trump announced Cook’s removal in a letter posted on his Truth Social account earlier this week, alleging mortgage fraud. The announcement escalates his long-running feud with the Fed, an institution that has historically operated independently of the White House. In response, Cook filed a lawsuit challenging the dismissal, asking the court to declare Trump’s firing order “unlawful and void.” The case could have significant implications for the autonomy of the US central bank. Democrats have sharply criticized Trump’s action, describing it as an unprecedented level of political interference in the […]
US Ends Duty-Free Imports Under $800
The United States has officially ended its long-standing tariff exemption for low-cost imports, a move expected to reshape global trade and hit small businesses particularly hard. Starting Friday, goods valued at $800 (£592) or less will no longer qualify for duty-free entry and will instead face stricter customs checks. This decision brings an end to the widely used de minimis exemption, which has allowed millions of packages to enter the country without tariffs. According to US Customs, nearly 1.4 billion packages worth over $64 billion entered the US last year under this rule. The policy change, championed by President Donald Trump, aims to strengthen domestic industry and reduce reliance on cheap imports—but it is likely to come at a cost for consumers and entrepreneurs. Industry experts warn that shoppers should expect higher prices and fewer product options, especially in the […]
Kim Jong Un, Putin Join Xi at Beijing Military Parade
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attending a military parade in central Beijing alongside Russian president Vladimir Putin and China’s leader Xi Jinping is not just a striking image — it is also a diplomatic triumph for Xi. For years, the Chinese leader has been positioning Beijing not only as the world’s second-largest economy but also as a global diplomatic heavyweight. By welcoming both Kim and Putin, Xi is reinforcing China’s influence in international affairs while signalling that he may hold the geopolitical cards in ongoing global negotiations. The parade, set for 3 September, marks 80 years since Japan’s surrender in World War Two, ending its occupation of parts of China. But beyond military display, Xi has turned it into a showcase of his political clout. With Trump considering a regional visit later in October and leaving the door open […]
Modi to Visit China After Border Clash as Trump’s Tariffs Push India Toward Beijing
Five years after a deadly Himalayan border clash froze ties between India and China, the relationship appears to be warming — under the pressure of US President Donald Trump’s sweeping 50% tariffs on Indian imports. For the first time since 2018, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to China this week to attend a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit hosted by President Xi Jinping. The visit comes despite the lingering scars of the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, where Indian and Chinese soldiers fought brutal hand-to-hand combat with rocks and clubs. Now, both leaders are set to meet face-to-face, signaling that economic stability may be taking precedence over old rivalries. The SCO gathering — which will also include leaders from Russia, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asia — is expected to be the largest in the bloc’s history. Beijing and Moscow […]
UN Demands Accountability After Israeli Strikes Kill Journalists and Health Workers at Gaza Hospital
The United Nations has called for “accountability and justice” after back-to-back Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis killed at least 20 people, including health workers, journalists, and first responders. The attack on Monday has drawn global outrage from press freedom groups, medical organizations, and foreign governments. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said an initial inquiry found that soldiers from the Golani Brigade had identified a camera allegedly set up by Hamas near the hospital. The military claimed the camera was being used to monitor Israeli troop movements and direct attacks. However, Israel did not provide evidence to support the claim, nor did it explain why two consecutive strikes were carried out within minutes — even though the area is well-known as a gathering spot for journalists who frequently livestream from the location. The IDF also said six “terrorists” […]