Head Coach Eric Sékou Chelle has unveiled a strong 28-man Super Eagles squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations that will be held in Morocco in just 10 days. The squad includes a mixture of the experienced stars, returning players, and new faces as Nigeria is looking to win its 4th continental title.
Nigerian international goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is the major highlight of the selections; along with him are Amas Obasogie and the returning Francis Uzoho. In defence, Chelle has opted for the likes of Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, to go with Chidozie Awaziem and Slavia Prague’s Igoh Ogbu. London-based Ryan Alebiosu gets his first senior call-up.
The midfield is sure to be a perfect blend of power and creativity, of which Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka would be the two main pillars. Along with them are Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, to whom Tochukwu Nnadi is added as a newcomer.
Nigeria will rely on its forward superstar duo, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, to spearhead the attack. With Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, Cyriel Dessers, and returning striker Paul Onuachu. A first-time call-up goes to Croatia-based Salim Fago Lawal as well.
The Super Eagles will start their preparation with a big friendly against 6 times champions Egypt on 16th December at the Cairo International Stadium. After that, they will head straight to Fès for their Group C matches, where they will face Tanzania on 23rd December, Tunisia on the 27th, and Uganda on the 30th.
28 Man Squad For The Afcon
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, 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); 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)
