The Super Eagles have officially named their final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, which Head Coach Eric Chelle released Thursday night after cutting down his preliminary list of 54 players. The roster features three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards.
Football podcaster Deji Faremi of White House Pod commented on the selection, saying the squad largely matched expectations but pointed to the persistent challenge of coaching cohesion.
“More or less what was expected considering the options available,” Deji Faremi, a football podcaster with White House Pod, tells newsmen. “I don’t think there were many curveballs. “But I don’t also think selection, or personnel has been much to worry about in the last 1-2 years — it’s been putting these pieces together in a way that fits. “So hopefully we can get that right.”
The final list stirred controversy by excluding several anticipated names:
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William Troost-Ekong (Captain) is absent, having announced his retirement from international football last week (a decision he insists was personal, despite speculation it was forced by the NFF).
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High-profile omissions include goalkeeper Maduka Okoye (Udinese), forwards Victor Boniface (Werder Bremen), and Tolu Arokodare (Wolves), and defender Ola Aina.
The exclusion of Maduka Okoye has generated the most debate, particularly given the fitness concerns surrounding first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Coach Chelle instead recalled Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC), who last played for the Super Eagles in March 2024, and included Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars) as the third goalkeeper. Reports indicate Uzoho has been in good recent club form for Omonia Nicosia.
Chelle also handed out debut call-ups to several lesser-known players:
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Croatia-based striker Lawal Salim Fago (ex-Flying Eagles).
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Inter Milan youngster Ebenezer Akinsanmiro.
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Israel-based Usman Muhammed.
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Former Flying Eagles star Tochukwu Nnadi.
Faremi expressed surprise at the inclusion of Fago:
“I was a bit surprised at Salim Fago. “I haven’t seen him yet, and my guess is he’s in because of his versatility, but considering his lack of experience with the senior team, I’d be surprised if he gets a proper shot, and that almost defeats any need for him in the squad,” Faremi said.
Conversely, Faremi was surprised by the decision to exclude Tolu Arokodare, who featured in Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying fixtures and appeared to be a reliable alternative to Victor Osimhen.
“Unlike Fago, Arokodare has been an important role player in the last year,” Faremi said. “Admittedly he’s not lighting it up for his club, but the national team is at a different stage. I’d have called him regardless.”
Social media discussions have centered on claims that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may have influenced the inclusion of certain players, leading to speculation that Chelle might resign after the AFCON.
Faremi addressed the speculation:
“I wouldn’t be surprised. But it’s not always a bad thing,” Faremi said. “Especially in our case, it’s not surprising that the football federation might have some kind of influence in the team ahead of a competition. “I think the big question should be how much influence. “Ultimately, you want the coach to be comfortable enough that he trusts his ‘tools’ because in the end, he’s responsible for the results.”
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