Former Nigeria international, Ifeanyi Udeze, has raised concerns over the Super Eagles’ final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the selection as “questionable.”
The Nigerian Football Federation announced the squad on Thursday, comprising three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards.
Among the surprises were the omissions of Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare, while Francis Uzoho and Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu return after more than a year away from the national team.
The squad also introduces several fresh faces across all positions. In defense, Blackburn Rovers’ Ryan Alebiosu and Slavia Prague’s Igoh Ogbu earned their places.
Midfield sees the inclusion of Inter Milan midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, currently on loan at Pisa, along with 31-year-old Usman Muhammed, who plays in Israel’s second division, and former Flying Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi. Croatia-based forward and ex-Flying Eagles striker Lawal Fago is also part of the attacking lineup.
Speaking on Brila FM, Udeze expressed doubts about the squad, “For me the Super Eagles final squad list is questionable because there are some players I have nothing to do in the team. Super Eagles is my team and I will support them but there’s something about this list. Why bring in a player that plays in the second division in Israel, it would have been better if that spot is given to a player from the NPFL.”
He also questioned the decision to leave out Okoye, a Serie A regular: “Also, leaving Maduka Okoye out is questionable. I want to know why he was left out because he is a regular for Udinese, but we have goalkeepers from Cyrpus and Tanzania who made the list.”
The Super Eagles are set to face Egypt in a friendly at Cairo Stadium on Tuesday, 16th December, before flying to Fès, Morocco, to begin their Group C campaign.
Nigeria will open against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on 23rd December, then face Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on 27th December and Uganda’s Cranes on 30th December.
Full Squad
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)
