Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released a massive 55-man provisional squad ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and the announcement has immediately sparked debates across Nigerian football, Footynaija.com reports.
The list, dropped on Tuesday through the team’s official channels, includes six goalkeepers, 13 defenders, 12 midfielders and an eye-catching 23 forwards as Chelle widens the net before naming his final 28.
Footynaija.com brings you the five biggest takeaways from Nigeria’s provisional AFCON 2025 squad list.
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5. Chelle names one of Nigeria’s biggest AFCON squads ever
Calling up 55 players is a bold statement, and Chelle’s message is clear: nobody is guaranteed a seat on the plane to Morocco.
The unusually large squad gives him room to test every option available, assess players returning from injury, and maintain intense competition in every department.
It also aligns with his no-favourites approach since taking charge, emphasizing that reputation alone will not be enough. This camp in Egypt is set to be one of the most competitive Super Eagles gatherings in recent memory.
4. Injured defenders return as shock inclusions
The defensive department delivered some early talking points. Despite recent injury concerns, Felix Agu and Ola Aina both made the list, hinting that the technical staff are optimistic about their recovery timeline.
William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi remain the defensive spine, but Chelle also injected new energy with Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adekunle and Emmanuel Michael.
The balance of returning leaders and fresh faces shows Chelle is casting a wide net as he searches for the right combination at the back.
3. New faces in midfield
Nigeria’s midfield core remains intact with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika leading the group, but Chelle used this list to signal the next phase of his rebuild.
Rising talents such as Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi and Peter Agba have been handed opportunities to impress, and the continued inclusion of Fisayo and Tom Dele-Bashiru suggests a shift towards a more mobile, technical and aggressive midfield profile.
With limited spots available, this will be one of the most closely watched battles when cuts begin.
2. The attack remains Nigeria’s biggest weapon
As expected, the forward line is stacked with firepower. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman headline a lethal group that also features Victor Boniface, Terem Moffi, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Tolu Arokodare, Kelechi Iheanacho and Paul Onuachu.
The inclusion of exciting prospects like Philip Otele, Rafiu Durosinmi, Salim Fago Lawal and Ikwuemesi Chukwubuikem ensures that every attacking profile such as pace, power, hold-up play, flair and finishing is well represented.
Nigeria simply has an embarrassment of riches up front, and it’s inevitable that some big names will miss out when the final AFCON 2025 squad is trimmed to size.
1. The NPFL is well represented
Five NPFL players, including Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ebenezer Harcourt, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji and Adekunle Adeleke made Chelle’s provisional squad, continuing the recent trend of home-based talent in the national team picture.
Their inclusion boosts the visibility of the domestic league and reinforces Chelle’s promise that strong NPFL performances will be rewarded.
Whether they can break into the final 28 is another matter entirely, but their presence sends a strong message: the pathway from the NPFL to the Super Eagles is very much alive.
What’s next for the Super Eagles?
Nigeria will open camp in Egypt on December 10, where the players will undergo fitness tests, tactical sessions and a couple of friendly matches before the final squad is announced.
With the Super Eagles drawn in Group D alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania, competition for places will be fierce as Chelle looks to assemble a squad capable of ending Nigeria’s AFCON drought and lifting the trophy for the first time since 2013.
