Former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze has expressed concerns about the final 28-man squad named by head coach Eric Chelle for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, SportPremi reports.
Nigerian head coach Eric Chelle unveiled the final squad for the AFCON tournament in Morocco on Thursday night, sparking debate over several notable absentees.
There was a major boost for the three-time champions with the inclusion of first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, but compatriot Maduka Okoye was left out in a very surprising move.
Francis Uzoho earned a recall to the team after a while out while Amas Obasogie completes the list of three goalkeepers.
Christantus Uche, Tolu Arokodare and Nathan Tella were also prominent exclusions from the squad, which also includes several new faces headlines by right-back Ryan Alebiosu.
The 2025 African Cup of Nations will kick off on the 21st of this month, with an opening clash between host country Morocco and Comoros.
Nigeria will compete alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania in Group C and will begin their own campaign against the latter on the 23rd of this month.
Udeze questions Chelle’s selections
Ifeanyi Udeze, who represented Nigeria at two editions of the African Cup of Nations expressed doubts over the exclusions of some notable players from the country’s final team list for the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
“For me the Super Eagles final squad list is questionable because there are some players I have nothing to do in the team”, the former Nigerian defender stated.
“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.
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 Cyprus and Tanzania who made the list”, he added.
The Super Eagles final 28-man Squad:
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Francis Uzoho.
Defenders: Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Ryan Alebiosu.
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Tochukwu Nnadi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed.
Forwards: Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Cyriel Dessers, Salim Fago Lawal.
