Osimhen and Lookman Lead Super Eagles Charge for AFCON Glory in Morocco

- by Olatunji Johnson

Chelsea’s star-studded squad features a wealth of attacking talent, but some notable names miss the cut as Nigeria eyes a fourth continental title.

Nigerian football fans have their eyes firmly set on Morocco after coach Eric Chelle unveiled his 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The selection, announced Thursday, is headlined by the continent’s most celebrated recent stars: forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, both former African Players of the Year.

The Super Eagles will begin their quest in Group C, kicking off against Tanzania on December 23, before facing Tunisia and Uganda. The team’s path is clear: finish in the top two of their group, or be among the four best third-placed teams, to advance to the knockout rounds. Many pundits expect Nigeria and Tunisia to be the favourites to progress.

In a squad bursting with firepower, coach Chelle has selected a remarkable nine forwards. “We are blessed with so much talent in attack,” the Ivorian-born tactician has previously noted. This wealth of options meant difficult decisions, with Bundesliga standout Victor Boniface and new Wolverhampton Wanderers signing Tolu Arokodare among those who did not make the final list.

The squad shows a strong Premier League influence, with Fulham contributing three players: defender Calvin Bassey, midfielder Alex Iwobi, and on-loan striker Samuel Chukwueze, who recently scored a brace in a thrilling 5-4 loss to Manchester City.

There is also a vote of confidence in first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who was included despite currently carrying an injury.

Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions, carry the momentum of a runner-up finish in the last tournament. They will fine-tune their preparations with a high-profile friendly against fellow contenders Egypt in Cairo on December 16, before basing themselves in Fes, Morocco, for the group stage.

The nation will be hoping its array of attacking stars, led by Osimhen and Lookman, can soar and bring the trophy home for the first time since 2013.

Full Nigeria Squad for 2025 AFCON:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, RSA), Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, TAN), Francis Uzoho (Omonia, CYP).

Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham, ENG), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, ENG), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, ENG), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos, GRE), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, FRA), Zaidu Sanusi (Porto, POR), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, CZE), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, ENG).

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, ENG), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, ENG), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, TUR), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, BEL), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, BEL), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, ITA), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, ITA), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, ISR).

Forwards: Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, ESP), Akor Adams (Sevilla, ESP), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, ITA), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, ENG), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, TUR), Moses Simon (Paris FC, FRA), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, TUR), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos, GRE), Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961, CRO).

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