The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles will open their training camp for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, as preparations intensify for the continental showdown in Morocco.
The announcement follows the release of a 55-man provisional squad by head coach Eric Sékou Chelle, who unveiled a blend of experienced internationals and rising stars ahead of his first major tournament in charge of the Nigerian national team.
The provisional team features some of the country’s biggest football names, including captain William Troost-Ekong, striker Victor Osimhen, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali—players who were central to Nigeria’s qualification journey. Also listed are Maduka Okoye, Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Simon Moses.
In a significant nod to domestic football, Chelle included Nigeria Premier Football League talents such as Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ebenezer Harcourt, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji and Adekunle Adeleke, signalling his willingness to expand opportunities beyond Europe-based players.
According to the NFF, the final 28-man squad will be selected from the provisional list in the coming days. The chosen players will convene in Cairo on December 10 for a training camp that will include friendly matches before the AFCON tournament officially begins on Sunday, December 21.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in what promises to be a competitive group stage. The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, will be aiming to secure a fourth title and start a successful new era under Chelle, who succeeded former coach José Peseiro.
Complete 55-Man Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers (6): Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye, Francis Uzoho, Ebenezer Harcourt
Defenders (12): William Ekong, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Felix Agu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adekunle Adeleke
Midfielders (11): Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Tochukwu Nnadi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru
Forwards (26): Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Olakunle Olusegun, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Abdulrasheed Shehu, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi, Philip Otele, Salim Fago Lawal, Emmanuel Michael
With expectations high and the countdown to AFCON underway, the Super Eagles will use their time in Egypt to sharpen tactics, strengthen team chemistry and align with the philosophy of their new coach. Nigeria’s passionate supporters will be hoping for a strong, united team capable of challenging for continental glory.
The 35th Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
