Former Nigeria international Ifeanyi Udeze has expressed concerns about the Super Eagles’ final 28-man roster named for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, describing aspects of the selection as “questionable.”
The squad, announced on Thursday by head coach Eric Chelle, generated surprise in some quarters due to several high-profile omissions and unexpected inclusions. Notably, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye — who had returned to form with Udinese in Serie A — did not make the final list despite strong recent performances.
Instead, Chelle retained Stanley Nwabali in goal despite recent fitness concerns and selected Francis Uzoho and Amas Obasogie as the other two keepers. Other surprising absentees include forwards like Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare and Kelechi Iheanacho, who had featured in earlier squads or qualifiers but were left out of the final 28.
The squad does, however, include key figures such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Paul Onuachu, along with several fresh faces from European clubs.
Udeze’s critique reflects broader debate among supporters and pundits, with some questioning whether the balance between experience, form and fitness was properly struck in the selection ahead of the continental tournament.
Editorial
Football squads are proclamations not merely of talent, but of conviction. They declare a coach’s philosophy, an association’s intent, and often, the shape of expectation that will hang over a nation’s campaign. When the Super Eagles’ final 28-man roster for AFCON 2025 was released, the conversation swiftly moved beyond mere names it became a question of judgment.
Ifeanyi Udeze’s critique that the squad is “questionable” should not be dismissed as echo chamber chatter. In selection there is always tension between form and loyalty, between fitness and reputation, and perhaps most acutely, between the present and the future. When a player like Maduka Okoye, enjoying a resurgence in Serie A with clean sheets and consistent minutes, is overlooked, it invites analysis. Likewise, retaining Stanley Nwabali amid fitness doubts suggests a coach leaning on familiarity rather than sharper form a choice that carries risk in a tournament where margins are tiny.
Beyond the headlines of omission and inclusion lies a deeper narrative what identity does Eric Chelle want this Super Eagles side to embody? Is it experience fixed on heritage, or evolution grounded in current performance? The blend here leans toward the former, privileging known quantities such as Osimhen and Lookman. Yet football at elite level rewards those who shape squads not merely to start tournaments, but to win them.
If Udeze’s concern resonates, it’s because fans and former players alike hunger for a Nigeria that competes intelligently, not just historically. Decisions like these risk signalling caution a desire not to upset at a moment when audacity can mean the difference between progression and elimination. AFCON waits for no reputation it demands readiness. In Morocco, that readiness will be tested not just by opponents, but by whether selections reflect the boldness of ambition or the comfort of familiarity.
Did You Know?
- Goalkeeping was a major talking point Maduka Okoye was widely expected by fans to challenge for the first-choice spot after returning to form at Udinese, but he was left out in favour of Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho and Amas Obasogie.
- Nwabali’s inclusion is notable because he has reportedly battled injuries that saw him miss several club matches prior to the squad announcement, yet Chelle kept faith in his fitness heading into AFCON.
- Several forwards were omitted despite recent performances — including Victor Boniface, Tolu Arokodare, Kelechi Iheanacho and Nathan Tella which has fueled debate about selection philosophy.
- The final Super Eagles squad features a mix of Europe-based veterans and younger players, with a strong attacking contingent led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
- Super Eagles Group C for AFCON 2025 includes matches against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, with Nigeria’s campaign kicking off on December 23 in Morocco.
