AFCON 2025: Profiles Of 28 Super Eagles Of Nigeria Players

As Nigeria chase a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Morocco, the Super Eagles head into the 2025 edition of the tournament with a balanced blend of players at their peak and a handful of fresh faces eager to announce themselves on the continental stage.

From the goalkeepers trusted to hold firm under pressure to forwards capable of deciding games in moments, here is a detailed look at the 28 Super Eagles players selected to carry Nigeria’s hopes in Morocco.

Super Eagles’ Goalkeepers

Francis Uzoho (Omonia) – 21 caps

Uzoho’s rise was rapid. He made his senior debut in November 2017, coming on for Daniel Akpeyi in a memorable 4-2 friendly win over Argentina, and soon found himself Nigeria’s number one at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, starting all three group games.

He also featured at the 2019 AFCON, playing in the third-place match against Tunisia. Injuries slowed his momentum between 2019 and 2021, limiting his involvement at the 2021 finals in Cameroon.

Although criticism followed the 2022 World Cup play-off exit to Ghana, Uzoho steadied himself during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers before losing the starting shirt at the finals to Stanley Nwabali.

Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United) – 27 caps

Nwabali’s journey to the top has been built on patience and resilience. After his first cap in a friendly against Mexico in 2021, he seized his moment at the 2023 AFCON in the Ivory Coast. His penalty saves against South Africa in the semi-final earned him man-of-the-match honours and sent Nigeria into the final.

Calm, commanding and vocal, the 29-year-old established himself as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper and, despite recent fitness concerns, is expected to remain the man between the posts under Eric Chelle.

Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars) – Uncapped

Obasogie forced his way into the picture after a remarkable 2023-2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign with Bendel Insurance, keeping a record 18 clean sheets and winning the league’s best goalkeeper award.

Moves to Ethiopia and later Tanzania followed, where he earned a reputation as a reliable penalty stopper. Although yet to make a competitive debut, his outing against Egypt showed he is ready if called upon.

Super Eagles’ Defenders

Semi Ajayi (Hull City) – 46 caps, 1 goal

Ajayi’s international story began with the under-20s in 2013 before his senior debut in 2018. He played every minute of Nigeria’s seven matches at the 2023 AFCON, helping the team finish runners-up. He is strong in the air and composed on the ball.

Calvin Bassey (Fulham) – 37 caps, 1 goal

Bassey committed to Nigeria in 2021 and debuted during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Ghana despite being eligible to play for three countries. He is the only Nigerian player to have completed every minute of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers so far. He arrives in Morocco buoyed by recent Premier League form.

Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes) – 36 caps, 1 goal

Since making his debut in 2017, Awaziem has featured at a World Cup and several AFCON tournaments. While Nantes have struggled, his individual form has stood out, with goals and energetic displays. His ability to operate both centrally and at right-back adds valuable depth.

Zaidu Sanusi (Porto) – 26 caps

Sanusi broke into the national team in 2020 and quickly became a regular at left-back. He featured prominently at the 2021 AFCON and played six matches as Nigeria reached the final in 2023. His pace and overlapping runs continue to offer width on the left.

Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City) – 25 caps

Osayi-Samuel made his debut in 2022 against Portugal and was an important squad member at the last AFCON, featuring five times. Comfortable on either flank, his energy and athleticism give the defence flexibility.

Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos) – 20 caps

Onyemaechi debuted in September 2023 against São Tomé and Príncipe and went on to feature at the 2023 finals. He has grown steadily into international football.

Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague) – 1 cap

Ogbu earned senior minutes during the Unity Cup and made his official debut in a friendly against Russia after playing for Nigeria’s U-20 team. His physicality and European experience mark him as one for the future.

Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers) – Uncapped

Born in England to Nigerian parents, Alebiosu opted for Nigeria and secured his first call-up after consistent Championship performances. He is the only uncapped defender in the squad.

Super Eagles’ Midfielders

Alex Iwobi (Fulham) – 91 caps, 10 goals

Since debuting in 2015, Iwobi has become one of Nigeria’s most dependable players. He is a veteran of multiple AFCON tournaments and the 2018 World Cup. His versatility and calmness in big games remain invaluable as Nigeria aim to go one better than their 2023 final defeat.

Frank Onyeka (Brentford) – 37 caps, 3 goals

Onyeka’s relentless energy defined Nigeria’s midfield at the last AFCON, where he started all seven matches. His box-to-box style offers both protection and drive, making him a key part of Chelle’s plans.

Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas) – 71 caps

One of the most tactically astute midfielders Nigeria has produced, Ndidi has been a fixture since 2015. Although he missed the 2023 finals through injury, his experience and defensive intelligence make him the preferred anchor when fit.

Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge) – 17 caps, 1 goal

Still only 24, Onyedika is viewed as the future of Nigeria’s midfield. His club form, including Champions League appearances, keeps him firmly in contention despite limited international minutes.

Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem)

The Imo State-born midfielder earns his first senior call-up after a steady rise through Bulgarian and Belgian football. Strong in the tackle and quick over the ground, he brings youthful energy to the squad.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio) – 10 caps, 2 goals

Dele-Bashiru announced himself with a goal early in his international career. Creative and technically gifted, he offers a different option in midfield.

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa) – 1 cap

A product of Remo Stars Academy, Akinsanmiro’s rise has been rapid. Now on loan from Inter Milan, he has impressed in Serie A and made his debut against Egypt.

Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias)

A seasoned traveller across Europe and Asia, Muhammed finally earns a senior call-up at 31. He remains fondly remembered for his stunning goal against Atletico Madrid in a 2018 friendly.

Super Eagles’ Forwards

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta) – 34 caps, 8 goals

One of Nigeria’s standout performers at the last AFCON, Lookman’s goals carried the team deep into the tournament. He was named Africa Player of the Year in 2024. His pace and cutting edge make him central to Nigeria’s title hopes.

Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham) – 51 caps, 7 goals

Chukwueze has delivered on big occasions since his debut in 2018, including a crucial goal against South Africa at the 2019 AFCON. His recent club form adds optimism.

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) – 45 caps, 31 goals

Nigeria’s most lethal striker, Osimhen is closing in on Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record. After a prolific run in qualifiers, he heads to Morocco determined to make history.

Moses Simon (Paris FC) – 88 caps, 10 goals

A regular since 2019, Simon’s experience and delivery from wide areas remain vital, particularly when Nigeria need to stretch stubborn defences.

Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla) – 11 caps, 1 goal

Ejuke arrives in form after scoring for Sevilla in a pre-tournament win. His dribbling and directness offer a useful option off the bench.

Akor Adams (Sevilla) – 4 caps, 2 goals

Adams has wasted little time making an impression, scoring twice in his first four appearances. His physical presence adds another dimension in attack.

Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor) – 25 caps, 3 goals

Standing at 2.01 metres, Onuachu is a unique threat. He remains one of Nigeria’s most in-form forwards in Europe this season.

Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos) – 11 caps, 3 goals

Born in Belgium, Dessers chose Nigeria in 2019 and now heads into his first official tournament with the Super Eagles.

Salim Fago (NK Istra 1961)

Fago earns his place after an impressive spell in Croatia. Though opportunities for playing time may be limited, his inclusion adds depth and youthful enthusiasm.