AFCON 2025: The three major absentees from Nigeria's squad list | OneFootball

The three big names missing from Nigeria's AFCON 2025 roster

Aina/@CAF

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his list of 28 players called up for the Africa Cup of Nations – AFCON 2025. The squad announcement is notable for some major omissions.

Ola Aina

A key figure in the Super Eagles' defense, Nottingham Forest's right-back will miss the upcoming AFCON due to an injury that has sidelined him for several weeks.

Sidelined with a hamstring injury, the 29-year-old has only featured in three matches this season, all during the opening rounds of the Premier League. He has been absent ever since.

Maduka Okoye

He was widely expected to make the trip. Udinese's goalkeeper, who returned to the national team in November, has not been selected for AFCON in Morocco—a decision that has surprised many pundits.

Eric Chelle opted instead for these three goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho, and Amas Obasogie.

Terem Moffi

His omission comes down to two main factors: firstly, his period of inactivity at Nice following an incident involving both him and Ivorian forward Jérémie Boga with Nice supporters.

Secondly, fierce competition up front, with several attacking talents in the squad, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, Cyriel Dessers, Salim Fago, Moses Simon, Chidera Ejuke, and Paul Onuachu.