AFCON Update: Boniface, Okoye, Arokodare Missing As Chelle Releases Super Eagles List

AFCON Update: Boniface, Okoye, Arokodare Missing As Chelle Releases Super Eagles List

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations took a surprising turn on Thursday as head coach Eric Chelle unveiled his final 28-man squad — with Victor Boniface, Maduka Okoye and Tolulope Arokodare all missing from the list, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The omission of Boniface and Arokodare comes as a shock to many fans, as both forwards played key roles throughout the qualifiers.

Okoye, who recently returned to form with Udinese, was also left out as Chelle opted for other goalkeeping options ahead of the tournament in Morocco.

Meanwhile, the squad sees the return of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and towering striker Paul Onuachu, both of whom impressed the technical crew during recent assessments.

Nigeria will begin their AFCON campaign against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania as they push for their fourth continental title. 

FULL SQUAD LIST

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 Muhammed (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)