BREAKING: Chelle recalls Uzoho, Onuachu, drops Okoye in final AFCON squad

File: Chelle

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Omonia goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho and Trabzonspor striker, Paul Onuachu, have been recalled to the Nigeria national team, while Maduka Okoye and Tolu Arokodare have been left out of the Super Eagles’ final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, PUNCH Online reports.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle released his final squad for the tournament, naming three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and nine forwards for the tournament scheduled for December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco.

Several new players have been included in the squad, strengthening the options in defence, midfield and attack.

In the backline, Blackburn Rovers’ Ryan Alebiosu earns his first invitation, while Slavia Prague’s Igoh Ogbu also makes the squad as one of the central defensive additions.

The midfield sees further reinforcements, with Inter Milan youngster and Remo Stars Academy graduate Ebenezer Akinsanmiro joining the group alongside Israel-based Usman Muhammed and former Flying Eagles star Tochukwu Nnadi.

In the forward line, Croatia-based striker and ex-Flying Eagles forward Lawal Salim Fago is the latest newcomer.

Uzoho, who last featured for the team in March 2024, returns to the goalkeeping unit and will work alongside Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali—whose participation remains doubtful due to fitness concerns—while Amas Obasogie of Singida Black Stars completes the trio.

In defence, Calvin Bassey of Fulham is set for his second AFCON outing. He will line up with established names such as Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi and Porto full-back Zaidu Sanusi.

Among the midfielders, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika form the experienced core of the eight-man unit.

Up front, Victor Osimhen spearheads the attack, supported by Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and the Sevilla pair of Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke. Cyriel Dessers of Panathinaikos keeps his place, while Onuachu earns his first invitation under Chelle following his strong run of form in Turkey.

Nigeria will compete in Group C at the tournament, where they have been drawn against Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda.

As part of their build-up to the AFCON, the Super Eagles will stage a pre-tournament camp in Egypt and are expected to take on the Pharaohs in an unofficial friendly on December 16.

The team will kick off their campaign on December 23 against Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fès, while Tunisia and Uganda will face off the same day at the Stade Annexe of Prince Moulay in Rabat.

The standout fixture in the group is scheduled for December 27, when Nigeria take on Tunisia in Fès, with Uganda and Tanzania playing concurrently in Rabat.

Group C will conclude on December 31 with Nigeria meeting Uganda in Fès, while Tunisia and Tanzania play their final group match in Rabat.

The Super Eagles, who finished as runners-up at the last AFCON after a 2–1 defeat to hosts Ivory Coast, will be aiming for a fourth continental title, having previously triumphed in 1980, 1994 and 2013.

Adekunle, a fellow of Data and Solutions Journalism, has over four years experience with competences in data journalism and investigations.

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