Nigeria has unveiled a 55-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, marking the first major step in the country’s push for the continental glory when the tournament kicks off on December 21.
The list, released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and made available in the Super Eagles X handle, captures a blend of established stars, in-form performers across Europe, rising domestic talents and several surprise inclusions.
However, the expanded roster will be trimmed before the final registration deadline.
Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Calvin Bassey headline the squad, as Nigeria looks to assemble its strongest possible group for the winter showpiece.
Stanley Nwabali is also listed as competition intensifies for the first-choice goalkeeper role.
Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika, Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella are retained after good showings during the qualifiers.
The preliminary squad also features fresh call-ups such as Philip Otele and Salim Fago, while forgotten names like Francis Uzoho, Paul Onuachu and Sadiq Umar return to contention.
Domestic league standouts like Ebenezer Harcourt also made the expanded list.
Final squad tet to come
Coach’s assessment of form, fitness and tactical fit will determine the final 27 – 28-man squad expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Nigeria will compete in Morocco for a shot at ending a decade-long wait for their fourth continental title.
Full 55-man AFCON 2025 Preliminary Squad
GOALKEEPERS
Maduka Okoye
Amas Obasogie
Francis Uzoho
Ebenezer Harcourt
Stanley Nwabali
Adebayo Adeleye
DEFENDERS
Felix Agu
Zaidu Sanusi
William Troost-Ekong
Ajayi Oluwasemilogo
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Bruno Onyemaechi
Chidozie Awaziem
Calvin Bassey
Ola Aina
Igoh Ogbu
Ryan Alebiosu
Adeleke Adekunle
Emmanuel Michael
MIDFIELDERS
Wilfred Ndidi
Frank Onyeka
Alhassan Yusuf
Alex Iwobi
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Raphael Onyedika
Christantus Uche
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro
Tochukwu Nnadi
Usman Muhammed
Peter Agba
Tom Dele-Bashiru
FORWARDS
Ademola Lookman
Victor Osimhen
Tolu Arokodare
Samuel Chukwueze
Moses Simon
Adams Akor
Chidera Ejuke
Olakunle Olusegun
Sadiq Umar
Kelechi Iheanacho
Taiwo Awoniyi
Victor Boniface
Paul Onuachu
Terem Moffi
Nathan Tella
Cyriel Dessers
Abdulrasheed Shehu
Rafiu Durosinmi
Ekeson Okorie
Chisom Orji
Philip Otele
Ikwuemesi ChukwuBuikem
Salim Fago