The wait for the final 28-man Super Eagles’ list came to an end on Thursday night when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) released the names of players who will represent the country at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The list features a mix of experienced campaigners and fresh faces for the continental showpiece.
While some selections were expected, the omission of Tolu Arokodare, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alhassan Yusuf, Sadiq Umar, Maduka Okoye, Victor Boniface, and Nathan Tella opened the door for exciting debutants.
The new AFCON boys include two established members of the team, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Akor Adams, with defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Mohammed, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Tochukwu Nnadi, goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Igoh Ogbu, and forward Salim Fago Lawal completing the list of debutants.
Weekend Trust Sports introduces these Super Eagles’ old and new players who are making their first AFCON appearance.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Although an already established member of the Super Eagles, the Manchester City academy graduate is yet to feature at the AFCON. Therefore, he is eligible to be listed among the AFCON debutants.
Dele-Bashiru was called up to the national team in October 2023. He scored in his second appearance for Nigeria during their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against South Africa.
So far, the Lazio midfielder has made nine international appearances, scoring two goals.
Akor Adams
The Sevilla striker is another already established Super Eagles’ player who will be making his AFCON debut in Morocco.
The bullish striker started his international career with the U-20 side, the Flying Eagles. He was a member of the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup squad.
Adams was handed his first call-up to the senior Nigerian team for two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Benin, scoring on his debut as substitute against Lesotho. He also scored for the Super Eagles in the 4-1 thrashing of Gabon in the World Cup playoff.
He has already scored two goals in four appearances for the Super Eagles.
Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
The former Bendel Insurance goalkeeper, currently keeping for Tanzanian outfit Singida Black Stars, is not entirely new to the Super Eagles setup.
He was part of the squad as the third-choice goalkeeper during previous AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, though he remained an unused substitute.
Obasogie rose to prominence during his time at Bendel Insurance, where he recorded 18 clean sheets, the highest in the 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
After leaving Bendel Insurance, he joined Ethiopian club Fasil Ketema FC before switching allegiance to his current Tanzanian side in 2025.
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Ogbu earned his senior national team call-up during the 2025 Unity Cup friendly tournament.
Since then, the tough-tackling defender has impressed with his consistency and composure, securing his place in the final AFCON squad.
A product of the Flying Eagles, Ogbu represented Nigeria at the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, making seven appearances across both tournaments.
Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)
Muhammed currently plays for Ironi Tiberias in Israel. His career has taken him through clubs in Nigeria, Portugal, and Israel, including Ranchers Bees, Taraba FC, and União Madeira.
With a bronze medal from the 2016 Olympics as part of Nigeria’s U-23 team, the midfielder brings experience and composure to the squad.
He gained global attention in 2018 when he scored a brilliant solo goal against then Europa League champions Atletico Madrid in a friendly at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy)
The selection of Akinsanmiro marked the beginning of his national team experience.
Positioned in the midfield, hopefully, he rubs shoulders with experienced players like Alex Iwobi.
He began his career at Remo Stars FC Academy, Beyond Limit, before catching the eye of Inter Milan in 2023.
Versatile and composed, he can operate as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even out wide.
He gained valuable experience on loan at UC Sampdoria, making 35 appearances and scoring once. Now at Pisa SC, Akinsanmiro continues to impress with his technical skill and tactical intelligence.
Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Alebiosu will experience both the cacophony of the stadium and the competitiveness of the continental showpiece.
A graduate of Arsenal FC’s famed academy, Alebiosu spent over a decade developing his craft before signing his first professional contract in 2020.
After a stint with KV Kortrijk in Belgium, the right-back joined Blackburn Rovers, where he has become a regular this season.
Known for his work rate, overlapping runs, and defensive discipline, Alebiosu’s inclusion signals Nigeria’s intent to strengthen the right flank with youthful energy.
Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium)
The midfielder’s entry into the final squad positions him as one of the youngsters to watch at the tournament owing to his potential.
Nnadi’s football journey began in Owerri with Campos FC before moving to Madenat Al-Amal Academy in Dubai.
He made his professional debut with Botev Plovdiv in Bulgaria in 2022 and joined SV Zulte Waregem in 2024.
With over 100 senior appearances across Europe and a stint at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Nnadi is a dynamic midfielder capable of dictating play and breaking lines.
Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia)
The 21-year-old forward burst onto the scene with NK Istra 1961, scoring five goals in 29 league appearances during the 2024-25 season.
A graduate of Nigeria’s U-20 setup and participant at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Fago is known for his pace, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing, attributes that earned him his first senior call-up.
Super Eagles 28-man squad for 2025 AFCON
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus).
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England).
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Mohammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel).
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961, Croatia).
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
