Uzoho returns as Okoye, Arokodare miss Eagles’ final AFCON squad

File Photo: Uzoho

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Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has released his final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, naming 28 players for the tournament scheduled for December 21, 2025, to January 18, 202,6 in Morocco, PUNCH Online reports.

The final list, unveiled on Thursday, nine days after the initial 54-man provisional squad, comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards.

Surprise omissions include Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare, while Francis Uzoho and Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu return to the national team after more than a year out.

The squad also features several new faces across defence, midfield and attack.

In defence, Blackburn Rovers’ Ryan Alebiosu and Slavia Prague centre-back Igoh Ogbu both make the cut.

Inter Milan midfielder and Remo Stars Academy product Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Israel-based Usman Muhammed and former Flying Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi are new inclusions in the midfield, while Croatia-based forward and ex-Flying Eagles striker Lawal Salim Fago is the latest addition in attack.

Cyprus-based Uzoho, whose last call-up came in March 2024, returns to the goalkeeping department alongside Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali—whose fitness remains uncertain. Amas Obasogie of Singida Black Stars in Tanzania is the third goalkeeper.

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey makes the squad for his second AFCON, joined by previous edition regulars Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi and Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi.

Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika are the established names among the eight midfielders invited.

In attack, team talisman Victor Osimhen leads the line, supported by Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke.

Despite being criticised for poor form by the NFF’s media director recently, Panathinaikos striker Cyriel Dessers retains his place, while the in-form Onuachu earns his first call-up under Chelle.

Nigeria will compete in Group C of the tournament and they have been drawn alongside Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda.

Meanwhile, the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has urged the Super Eagles to put the disappointment of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers behind them as they begin their quest for a fourth continental title at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

As the 28-man squad heads to Morocco, they carry the burden of their recent failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

During a meeting at the NFF headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, the federation’s Executive Committee reviewed the team’s build-up efforts and called on the players to seize the opportunity in Morocco to restore pride.

“The Executive Committee thoroughly appraised the preparations of the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles, for their participation in the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals scheduled for Morocco, 21st December 2025 – 18th January 2026, and mandated the Secretariat to ensure a hitch-free run-in to the championship for the three-time African champions,” the NFF said in a statement on Thursday.

“The Committee also charged the players to completely forget the unfortunate ending to the FIFA World Cup playoffs and use the same North African kingdom as the arena to write a new story about themselves and their abilities.”

Nigeria endured a difficult 10-game qualifying series from 2023 to 2025, missing out on an automatic World Cup place and instead settling for the African playoff slot.

They defeated Gabon 4–1 in the playoff semi-final but lost 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in the final, crushing their hopes of reaching the global showpiece for the second successive edition.

As part of their AFCON preparations, the Eagles will hold a training camp in Egypt, where they are also expected to face the Pharaohs in an unofficial friendly on December 16.

Nigeria will open their AFCON campaign on December 23 against Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fès, while Tunisia meet Uganda the same day at the Stade Annexe of Prince Moulay in Rabat.

The group’s marquee fixture comes on December 27, when Nigeria face Tunisia in Fès, with Uganda and Tanzania also clashing in Rabat.

The final Group C matches will be played simultaneously on December 31, as Uganda face Nigeria in Fès, and Tunisia meet Tanzania in Rabat.

Nigeria, runners-up at the last AFCON after losing 2–1 to hosts Ivory Coast, are seeking their fourth continental crown, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013.

Abiodun, who reports Sports for PUNCH, covers different tiers of the Nigerian football league, the national teams, as well as cricket, in the last six years

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