The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco on December 21 and runs through to January 18, 2026. With the pressure mounting and expectations high, Nigeria’s Super Eagles head into the tournament eyeing a fourth continental crown led by a squad packed with experience, power, and a few surprises.
When coach Eric Chelle unveiled his 28-man squad for the tournament, the spotlight hit the big names like Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and others who carry Nigeria’s hopes. But three fresh faces slipped into the mix and are now set for their first shot on Africa’s biggest stage.
In this piece, Footynaija.com takes a closer look at the trio of new guns who’ve broken into the Super Eagles’ squad, their rise, their promise, and why they might just be the wildcards to watch in Morocco.
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Tochukwu Nnadi
Nnadi’s rise has been anything but rushed. At 22, the Zulte Waregem midfielder already carries the look of a player who understands responsibility. His early move from Nigeria to Bulgaria tested him, first at Botev Plovdiv, where he learned to survive senior football far from home.
By the time he arrived in Belgium in early 2024, he was no longer just a prospect. This season, he has become a steady presence in Waregem’s midfield, trusted to win duels, cover ground and keep things ticking. He even added goals to his game, scoring his first for the club and underlining his growing confidence.
Those who followed Nigeria’s Under 20 team at the 2023 World Cup will remember the Owerri-born midfielder starting every match, anchoring the midfield against Italy and Argentina. Eric Chelle clearly values that reliability. Nnadi fits the profile of a coach’s midfielder: disciplined, physical and tactically aware. His performances haven’t gone unnoticed either, as he is currently on the radar of a number of Premier clubs, including West Ham United.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro
Akinsanmiro’s journey feels different but just as deliberate. Still only 21, the Lagos born midfielder has already tasted life inside elite European systems. After catching attention at Beyond Limits and Remo Stars, he earned a move to Inter Milan, a major step that sharpened his technical game. Loans followed, first at Sampdoria and now at Pisa, where he has stepped into Serie A football this season.
He has not looked out of place. His performances have been built on neat passing, intelligent movement and the stamina to go box to box. Coaches in Italy have trusted him with real minutes, not cameos. While this is his first senior tournament call up, it feels like a natural extension of steady progress.
You expect Akinsanmiro to offer balance, energy and flexibility in midfield, qualities that matter across a long AFCON campaign. His club future also reflects that promise, with Italian greats Inter Milan reportedly expected to pay the fee to cancel Pisa’s purchase option next summer. The move could see him join the first team, giving him a chance at the highest level of football.
Salim Fago Lawal
Lawal has been carving his path in Croatia. At 22, the forward has grown into his role at NK Istra 1961, clocking over 50 senior appearances and reaching double figures in goals across competitions. Those numbers matter in a league that rewards physical strength and work rate.
The Lagos-born striker presses defenders, battles centre backs and keeps moving in the box. His earlier exposure with Nigeria’s Under 20 side showed a striker comfortable with responsibility. Chelle’s call gives the Super Eagles a different attacking option, one shaped by European football rather than academy promise alone.
