Eric Chelle has named his 28-man Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and the list carries a familiar mix of star power, raw potential as well as a few surprises, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles head to Morocco with expectations as high as ever, and this squad will determine how far Chelle’s project can really go. On paper, the talent is there but as always, balance is everything.
At first glance, the presence of established names like Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman mixed with new faces such as Ryan Alebiosu and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro suggests it’s a group built for energy and intensity, yet one that still leans heavily on certain pillars.
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In this piece, we’ll be taking a very close look at Chelle’s squad, in an attempt to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this group that will be representing Nigeria out there in Morocco.
Strengths
With the omission of Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali remains the clear first choice in goal, and his AFCON experience from Ivory Coast gives the Super Eagles stability in a position that once caused anxiety. Behind him, Amas Obasogie and Francis Uzoho provide competition, if not the same level of assurance.
In defense, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi anchor a physically imposing back line, while Bright Osayi-Samuel adds dynamism from the right. New call-up Ryan Alebiosu brings athleticism and modern full-back qualities that may prove useful in transitions. There’s versatility across the unit which is also a major plus.
The middle of the park is perhaps Nigeria’s most balanced department. Ndidi’s resurgence at Besiktas, Raphael Onyedika’s control, and Alex Iwobi’s experience give Chelle multiple options. Youngsters like Tochukwu Nnadi and Akinsanmiro add some freshness and drive to that area of the pitch as well.
Up in attack, Lookman, Osimhen and Chukwueze alone guarantee goal threat. Add Ejuke, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Cyriel Dessers and the ever-reliable Paul Onuachu, and Nigeria boasts one of the deepest forward lines at the tournament. There is pace, movement, power and goals in abundance.
Weaknesses
Beyond Nwabali, the quality and experience in that goalkeeping department drops drastically. If anything happens to the Chippa United shot-stopper, Chelle may face serious problems. Meanwhile, the Franco-Malian’s preferred center-back pairing is also far from certain.
Creativity remains heavily dependent on Iwobi, who will most likely be charged with the role of a deep-lying playmaker. Additionally, many of the younger midfielders lack AFCON exposure, and the squad is still without a natural No. 10.
Osimhen’s fitness is usually a source of concern and the Super Eagles often look toothless in attack without their talisman. Also, Chukwueze’s inconsistency makes him unpredictable while the occasional lack of cohesion and penetration up front remains a major weakness of the Super Eagles.
Takeaway
Nigeria’s 28-man squad is talented, competitive and full of firepower. If Chelle finds the right structure, and if his key men stay fit, the Super Eagles definitely have what it takes to mount another deep AFCON run in Morocco.
But this is a team that must solve its balance issues quickly, especially with the tournament less than two weeks away. For the three-time African champions, talent is not the problem. Everything will come down to their cohesion as a unit.
