AFCON 2025: Meet Super Eagles new boys

From Dotun Omisakin, Lagos

As the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) draws closer, Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled a 54-man provisional squad that blends experience with exciting new talents — both home-based and overseas.

Daily Trust profiles the 15 youngsters – 10 foreign-based, and five home-based – who received first invitations and are hoping to be on the plane to Morocco.

EMMANUEL MICHAEL

Emmanuel Michael’s journey started in Kaduna, where his talent was spotted early, leading him to Simoiben Football Academy.

A natural full-back, Michael cut his teeth on loan at Gombe United before making a breakthrough move to Europe with Austrian Bundesliga side LASK in 2024.

By October 2025, he has already clocked several appearances, showcasing his growing influence. Notably, Michael earned 8 caps and netted 3 goals for Nigeria’s U-17 team, hinting at a promising international future.

EBENEZER AKINSANMIRO

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro began at Remo Stars FC before catching the eye of Italian giants Inter Milan in 2023.

Comfortable in central midfield, attacking roles, or even out wide, Akinsanmiro gained valuable experience on loan at UC Sampdoria, where he featured 35 times and scored once. For the current season, he’s plying his trade with Serie A side Pisa SC, eager to make his mark.

RYAN ALEBIOSU

From the famed youth ranks of Arsenal FC, Ryan Alebiosu has spent over a decade developing his craft.

A right back or right midfielder, Alebiosu signed his first professional contract in 2020 before moving to Belgium’s KV Kortrijk in 2023.

In a recent twist, he joined English Championship club Blackburn Rovers and has been a regular feature this season, impressing fans with his consistent performances.

TOCHUKWU NNADI

Tochukwu Nnadi’s journey is a global tale, starting in Owerri at Campos FC, then honing his skills at Dubai’s Madenat Al-Amal football academy.

He made his professional debut with Bulgarian top-flight side Botev Plovdiv in 2022 and transferred to Belgian outfit SV Zulte Waregem in 2024. With over 100 senior appearances across clubs, Nnadi also represented Nigeria at the U-20 World Cup in 2023, proving his mettle on the international stage.

PETER AGBA

Peter Agba began his senior career in Croatia before establishing himself as a defensive midfielder of note.

After solid spells with NK Zagorec and NK Dubrava Zagreb, Agba signed for Olimpija Ljubljana, where he racked up 66 appearances. His 2025 transfer to Israeli giants Maccabi Haifa reportedly for €1.2 million. Agba has also represented Nigeria at the U-17 level, known for his midfield versatility.

USMAN MOHAMMED

Usman Mohammed’s career spans clubs in Nigeria, Portugal, and Israel. From Ranchers Bees to Taraba FC and a stint at União Madeira, Mohammed now plays for Ironi Tiberias in Israel.

With over 160 senior appearances and a bronze medal from the 2016 Olympics as part of Nigeria’s U-23 squad, Mohammed brings valuable experience to Chelle’s team. He gained global attention in 2018 when he scored brilliant solo-goal against the then reigning Europa League champions Atletico Madrid in an international friendly match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

PHILIP OTELE

Philip Otele’s journey took him from England’s lower leagues to the Romanian top flight, where he shone for CFR Cluj by scoring 18 league goals and finishing joint top scorer in the 2023–24 season.

Now, with Swiss club FC Basel following a loan spell, Otele is known for his scoring prowess and continues to develop into a lethal attacker.

SALIM FAGO

Forward Salim Fago broke through with Croatia’s NK Istra 1961 in 2023, scoring 5 goals in 29 league appearances during the 2024-25 season.

A U-20 World Cup participant in 2023, Fago’s clinical finishing and movement have caught the eye, earning him a spot in the provisional Super Eagles squad.

RAFIU DUROSINMI

Rafiu Durosinmi rose through Nigeria’s youth academies before joining Czech clubs MFK Karviná and Viktoria Plzeň.

At Viktoria Plzeň, Durosinmi boasts 18 goals in 43 league appearances. His 2025–26 season is off to a strong start with 6 goals in 16 matches, signaling a striker ready to take on bigger challenges.

CHUKWUBUIKEM IKWUEMESI

Striker Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi developed in Nigerian academies before moving to European clubs in Austria and Slovenia.

After scoring 10 goals for NK Celje in the Slovenian top flight, he earned moves to Italy’s Salernitana and Belgium’s OH Leuven, where he continues as a regular attacker. A former Nigeria U-20 international, Ikwuemesi combines physicality with technical skill.

5 STANDOUTS FROM NPFL

EKESON OKORIE (NASARAWA UNITED)

Right winger, Ekeson Okorie, has impressed in the NPFL with 15 appearances and a goal this season. His pace and crossing ability have earned him a place in Chelle’s squad as a fresh attacking option.

CHISOM ORJI (WARRI WOLVES)

Left-footed centre-forward, Chisom Orji, is known for his physical presence and goal-scoring instincts. With 9 appearances and a goal in the NPFL, Orji’s blend of strength and finishing could be a valuable asset.

EBENEZER HARCOURT (SPORTING LAGOS)

Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt stands out as the sole home-based shot-stopper in the provisional squad. Having impressed for the Flying Eagles U-20 side, including at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Harcourt was previously called up as the third goalkeeper for the Super Eagles, signaling trust in his potential.

ADEKUNLE ADELEKE (ABIA WARRIORS)

A formidable defender, Adeleke is known for his aerial dominance and strength in duels. He earned a prior call-up by former coach Gernot Rohr and remains a key defensive figure in the NPFL.

ABDULRASHEED SHEHU DABAI (NIGER TORNADOES)

Forward Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai earned his NPFL spot after shining in the Nigeria National League with Sokoto United. Now, with Niger Tornadoes, he has contributed solid performances, scoring crucial goals for the “Ikon Allah Boys” in the top flight. He arrives at Super Eagles’ camp with hunger for goals.

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