The Super Eagles’ head coach, Eric Chelle, on Thursday announced his final 28-man squad ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with several notable names missing.

Striker Tolu Arokodare of Wolverhampton Wanderers and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye of Udinese, who were part of the initial 54-man provisional squad, did not make the final cut. Chelle has instead chosen 2018 World Cup goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and Samsunspor striker Paul Onuachu.

Ola Aina, currently recovering from injury, was not included in the squad, while former captain William Troost-Ekong is absent following his recent retirement from international football.

Four uncapped players received call-ups, including Blackburn Rovers’ defender Ryan Alebiosu, who recently switched his international allegiance from England to Nigeria and is expected to fill in for the injured Benjamin Fredricks. Other potential debutants are Ebenezer Akinsanmiro of Pisa, Salim Fago of Croatian side NK Istra, Usman Muhammed of Israeli club Ironi Tiberius, and Tochukwu Nnadi of Dutch club Zulte Waregem.

Returning to the squad are defender Chidozie Awaziem and midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.