ABUJA: Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has released a 54-man provisional squad ahead of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to hold in Morocco later this month.
The list, announced across all Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) platforms on Tuesday, features a strong blend of established international stars and emerging talents.
Top regulars such as Captain William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, and Chidera Ejuke all made the roster.
Chelle also widened his selection pool by including several home-based players, such as Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ebenezer Harcourt, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, and Adekunle Adeleke, signalling his intent to assess domestic strength and broaden competition within the team.
The NFF says a final 28-man squad will be confirmed in the coming days.
Preparations for the tournament will begin on December 10, when the Super Eagles open their training camp in Egypt. The team is expected to play a series of friendly matches before AFCON kicks off on December 21.
Nigeria has been drawn into Group C, where they will face Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, as the three-time African champions seek another strong outing on the continental stage.
FULL PROVISIONAL LIST
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali; Amas Obasogie; Maduka Okoye; Adebayo Adeleye; Francis Uzoho; Ebenezer Harcourt.
Defenders:
William Troost-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:
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:
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.
