Three New Players Gatecrash As Tella, Boniface, Uche, Iheanacho Missing In Nigeria 28-man AFCON Roster

Three New Players Gatecrash As Tella, Boniface, Uche, Iheanacho Missing In Nigeria 28-man AFCON Roster

By BSN Sports 

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has released his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a decision that has stirred significant debate following the omission of several high-profile Super Eagles players, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

The final list, reported by OwnGoalNigeria, was trimmed from an initial 54-man provisional roster.

Notably absent are Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella, Werder Bremen forward Victor Boniface, Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare, Crystal Palace attacker Uche Chrisantus, and Celtic forward Kelechi Iheanacho. Their exclusions have raised eyebrows among supporters and analysts alike, given their experience and recent performances at club level.

Chelle’s selections suggest a deliberate tactical recalibration as the coach turns to emerging talent to refresh the squad. Three newcomers—Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, Pisa centre-back Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Viktoria Plzen forward Rafiu Durosinmi—have earned call-ups and could make their AFCON debuts should they feature in Morocco.

Despite these bold changes, the squad still features a strong core of established Super Eagles stars. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, and Cyriel Dessers headline the attacking lineup. The midfield department remains anchored by Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, and Frank Onyeka.

In defense, Chelle has retained trusted regulars including Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Zaidu Sanusi, and Chidozie Awaziem.

However, fitness concerns persist around first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who is still recovering from recent ankle and hand injuries. Amas Obasogie and Maduka Okoye complete the goalkeeping trio as potential backups.

The squad announcement sets the stage for an intense competition for starting roles as Nigeria prepares to challenge for its fourth continental crown in Morocco.