Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled a 55-man provisional squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to hold in Morocco next month, with captain William Troost-Ekong and star striker Victor Osimhen among the headline selections.

The list, released on Monday, features a blend of established internationals, returning stars and emerging home-based talents as Chelle begins shaping a squad capable of challenging for Nigeria’s fourth continental title.

Also included are midfield anchors Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, creative midfielder Alex Iwobi, and safe hands Stanley Nwabali, who impressed at the last AFCON in Ivory Coast. Goalkeepers Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye, and Francis Uzoho also made the cut.

The defensive roster is dominated by Europe-based regulars such as Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi and Oluwamayowa Aina, along with standout NPFL defender Adekunle Adeleke of Abia Warriors.

In midfield, Chelle has named a mix of experience and youth, including Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro.

The attack is stacked with firepower as expected, with Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, andChidera Ejuke among the notable inclusions. Rising domestic league forwards Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, and Emmanuel Michael also make surprise appearances.

Chelle is expected to prune the squad down to 28 players “in a matter of days,” as preparations intensify for Nigeria’s campaign.

The Super Eagles will open camp in Egypt on Wednesday, 10 December, where they will play a series of friendly matches before heading to Morocco. The tournament kicks off on Sunday, 21 December.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda, setting up an intriguing set of fixtures in the early rounds.

Below is the full provisional squad released for AFCON Morocco 2025:

54 PLAYERS IN PROVISIONAL LIST OF NIGERIA FOR 35^TH AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS MOROCCO 2025

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Maduka Okoya (Udinese FC, Italy); Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos);

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); 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); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England); Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors);

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England); Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy); Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa SC, Italy); Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias, Israel); Peter Agba (Maccabi Haifa, Israel); Tom Dele-Bashiru (Gençlerbirligi SK, Turkey)

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); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Kelechi Iheanacho (Celtic Glasgow, Scotland); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Victor Boniface (Werder Bremen, Germany); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos FC, Greece); Abdulrasheed Shehu (Niger Tornadoes); Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen, Czech Republic); Ekeson Okorie (Nasarawa United); Chisom Orji (Warri Wolves); Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi (OH Leuven, Belgium); Philip Otele (FC Basel, Switzerland); Salim Fago Lawal (NK Istra 1961 (Croatia); Emmanuel Michael (Linzer Athletik SK, Austria)    

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The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 Diaspora Tour has landed in Paris, building on the excitement and cultural celebration ignited during its first stop in London last week.

Held at the iconic Palais de Tokyo – YOYO, the Paris leg of the tour continues to strengthen the bridge between Africa and its global diaspora, uniting fans, legends, artists, and influencers in a vibrant fusion of football, music, and culture.

At the heart of the event is the Africa Cup of Nations Trophy itself—a powerful symbol of African pride, unity, and sporting excellence. After captivating fans in London on 27–28 November, the Trophy made a special appearance in Paris on 3 December, ahead of its official departure to Morocco on 4 December for the full Trophy Tour.

A replica Trophy will remain on display in Paris for fans to experience on the final day.

Organised to bring AFCON Morocco 2025 closer to African communities across Europe, the Diaspora Tour features interactive fan experiences, cultural activations, fireside chats, and live performances, while celebrating the contributions of legendary African footballers to European football.

The London stop featured football greats like Alex Song, Victor Wanyama, and Alex Iwobi, alongside music sensations OdumoduBlvck and Stonebwoy, blending athletic excellence with Africa’s dynamic cultural pulse.

The Paris edition promises an equally electric atmosphere, with appearances and performances by popular artists such as Guy2Bezbar, ElGrandeToto, Joeboy, and Youssoupha, as well as prominent cultural figures, influencers, and community leaders.

CAF has described the Diaspora Tour as a vital step in celebrating the shared heritage of AFCON and connecting African fans across the globe—from Casablanca to Lagos, and London to Paris—to the continent’s most prestigious football tournament.

As excitement builds toward the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations set to take place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, the Diaspora Tour is amplifying anticipation and reaffirming that AFCON belongs to Africans everywhere.

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Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has unveiled his final 28-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, expressing confidence that the selected group can restore the Pharaohs to the summit of African football.

The seven-time African champions—last crowned in 2010—will compete in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January, aiming to reclaim continental dominance after falling short in recent editions.

Hassan’s squad blends experienced campaigners with emerging talent, retaining a core of domestically based players while relying on a handful of overseas stars to offer attacking flair and leadership.

Salah Headlines Limited Overseas Cast

Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah leads the team both as captain and offensive focal point, headlining a modest group of foreign-based players.

Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush and FC Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed also made the final cut, with Hassan describing them as key to providing “attacking dynamism and depth.”

UAE-based duo Ibrahim Adel and Rahim Rabia add versatility from the Emirati league, rounding out the international contingent.

Goalkeeping and Defence: Depth and Balance

The goalkeeping department features four options, topped by long-time No. 1 Mohamed El Shenawy of Al Ahly. He is joined by Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly), Ahmed El Shenawy (Pyramids) and Mohamed Sobhi (Zamalek), providing depth and strong domestic familiarity.

In defence, the coach has opted for a balanced mix of seasoned internationals and youthful energy. Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, and Ahmed Fatouh bring high-level experience, while younger defenders such as Hossam Abdel-Maguid and Khaled Sobhi inject pace and physicality.

The coaching crew described the defensive unit as “a balanced mix of physical strength and international exposure”—a key requirement for navigating a competitive Group B.

Midfield: Egypt’s Engine Room

Hassan’s midfield selection emphasises creativity, tactical flexibility and leadership. The group includes Marwan Attia, Hamdi Fathi, Mohannad Lasheen, Emam Ashour, Mohamed Shehata and Mahmoud Trezeguet, alongside creative spark Ahmed Sayed Zizo.

Salah appears on the official list as part of a hybrid front-midfield structure, joined by Omar Marmoush, Ibrahim Adel and Mostafa Fathi—a quartet expected to drive Egypt’s creative and transitional play.

Attack: Mostafa Mohamed to Lead the Line

Europe-based forward Mostafa Mohamed will spearhead the attack as he continues to establish himself as Egypt’s primary striker. He is supported by Salah Mohsen and Osama Faisal, who complete the forward trio tasked with delivering goals in Morocco.

Egypt’s AFCON Pathway and Preparations

The Pharaohs begin their AFCON campaign in Group B, opening against Zimbabwe on 22 December, followed by a tough encounter with South Africa, before concluding the group stage against Angola.

Egypt will commence an open training camp on 3 December, which will transition to a closed camp on 7 December. Their final pre-tournament friendly comes against Nigeria on 14 December in Cairo, before departing for Morocco on 17 December.

Hossam Hassan expressed optimism as he looks to guide Egypt to an eighth continental title, saying the squad “combines experience and youth, hoping to achieve the desired results in the upcoming competitions.”

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