The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially begun preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the first group of players arriving in Cairo on Sunday for a five-day training camp ahead of the tournament.
The continental tournament is set to hold in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, and Nigeria is already fine-tuning plans for another title challenge.
Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Francis Uzoho were the first to report at the team’s base at the Renaissance Hotels in Cairo. Their early arrival comes a week before the tournament starts and three days ahead of an unofficial pre-tournament friendly against Egypt’s Pharaohs.
Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe confirmed that additional players are expected to join later on Sunday and Monday, depending on flight schedules and travel arrangements. He also stated that the team’s first training session will take place on Monday.
Originally, the Nigeria Football Federation had planned for final preparations to begin on Wednesday, December 10, but adjustments were made to allow the squad more time together. The team will depart Cairo for Fez, their AFCON base in Morocco, on Thursday via a chartered flight.
Gossip News Now reports that coach Eric Chelle unveiled his final 28-man squad on Thursday, featuring several notable inclusions and omissions. Uzoho returned to the squad after more than a year away, while Nwabali’s presence alleviated concerns over his fitness. Both goalkeepers will compete for the number one spot alongside Tanzania’s Amas Obasogie of Singida Black Stars.
Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu earned a recall, while Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and regular invitee Tolu Arokodare were left out. Chelle’s squad consists of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards, with five players receiving their first senior call-ups.
Among the newcomers are Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu and Slavia Prague centre-back Igoh Ogbu. Midfield additions include Inter Milan youngster and Remo Stars Academy graduate Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Israel-based Usman Muhammed, and former Flying Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi. Croatia-based striker Lawal Salim Fago strengthens Nigeria’s attacking options.
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey will make his second AFCON appearance, joining experienced campaigners like Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Porto full-back Zaidu Sanusi. The midfield boasts experienced names such as Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika, while Victor Osimhen leads the attack with support from Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Sevilla duo Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke. Panathinaikos striker Cyriel Dessers retained his spot, and Onuachu joins the squad following strong performances in Turkey.
Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Super Eagles open their campaign against Tanzania on December 23, face Tunisia on December 27, and play Uganda on December 30.
As of Sunday night, December 14, the following players have reported to camp: Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Akinsanmiro Ebenezer, Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tochukwu Nnadi, Amas Obasogie, Ademola Lookman, and Semi Ajayi.
