Super Eagles’ head coach, Eric Sékou Chelle has announced his final squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, with the three-time winners set to begin their campaign in Morocco in 10 days.
In the 28-man squad, Chelle kept faith with several of the established stars, naming Stanley Nwabali as first-choice goalkeeper along with defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, and attacking duo Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. They headline a group that blends experience with fresh talent.
The Franco-Malian tactician also included Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Samuel Chukwueze, and Simon Moses.
There is a recall for goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, now based in Cyprus, as well as defender Igoh Ogbu and striker Paul Onuachu.
Five players earned their maiden invitation to the Super Eagles: England-based right-back Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Croatian-based forward Salim Fago Lawal.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to play a high-profile friendly against Egypt’s Pharaohs next Tuesday at the Cairo International Stadium.
The match will provide Chelle a final opportunity to assess his squad before the team departs Cairo aboard a chartered flight to Fès, where they will contest their Group C matches.
Nigeria open their campaign against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on 23 December, before facing Tunisia on 27 December and completing group action against Uganda on 30 December.
The 28-man squad
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Semi 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 Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey), Simon Moses (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)
The Super Eagles will be aiming to win their fourth continental crown, 11 years after their last triumph in South Africa.
