Super Eagles 2025 squad: Meet the new stars ready to dominate African football
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Omo, the tori don drop! The moment every Naija football fan dey wait is here — Super Eagles 2025 squad revealed. If you dey hunt Nigerian football updates, this one go sweet your chest. From seasoned veterans to rising young guns, this squad has plenty intrigue, hope, and anticipation.
When you hear “Super Eagles 2025 squad,” you dey imagine which players don make the cut, who dey left behind, and how the team go gel. In this article, we go yarn una full package: player list, analysis, social reactions, local flavor like “Gbam,” “Oya now,” “Abegi,” and also how this squad matter for Nigeria’s football destiny.
The Big Reveal: Full Squad Breakdown
Head Coach & Strategy
Before names, make we talk who dey direct. In January 2025, Nigeria appointed Eric Chelle as head coach. He previously handled Mali and is seen as someone who can bring discipline and fresh ideas.
Chelle has already made adjustments: two changes were made to his initial squad when injuries struck — Zaidu Sanusi replaced Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Uche Christantus came in for Cyriel Dessers.
Chelle’s approach seems to be mixing experience with youth, ensuring balance. He is known to favor tactical flexibility, which bodes well for Nigeria’s attempts in African qualifiers.
The 23-Man Squad: The Names You Must Know
The full squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers (vs Lesotho and Benin Republic) is out.
Here is how the squad shapes up, grouped by position:
Goalkeepers
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Stanley Nwabali
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Amas Obasogie
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Adebayo Adeleye
Defenders
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William Troost-Ekong
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Bruno Onyemaechi
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Semi Ajayi
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Felix Agu
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Calvin Bassey
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Benjamin Fredrick
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Zaidu Sanusi (new inclusion)
Midfielders
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Alex Iwobi
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Wilfred Ndidi
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Frank Onyeka
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Alhassan Yusuf
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Others providing balance and engine
Forwards / Attackers
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Victor Osimhen
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Ademola Lookman
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Terem Moffi
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Moses Simon
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Tolu Arokodare
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Cyriel Dessers (initially, but later replaced)
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Samuel Chukwueze
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Akor Adams
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Ola Olusegun
These names reflect both tried-and-tested performers and new faces hoping to stamp their mark.
What Makes This Squad Unique
1. Veteran core + fresh blood
You see veterans like Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi — people who know how to carry the shirt. Then you mix in younger talents, especially those rising in the NPFL or fringe overseas players. The result? A squad that can balance experience and hunger.
2. Injury and replacement drama
The injury bug bit. As noted, Dessers and Osayi-Samuel were ruled out, forcing last-minute changes. Zaidu Sanusi’s inclusion in place of Osayi-Samuel is one major swap. Vanguard News This kind of shakeup tests squad depth and resilience.
3. Tactical flexibility
Chelle seems ready to deploy different formations: 4-3-3, 3-5-2, or even 4-2-3-1, depending on opponent and match context. He may use the quick legs of Lookman, the poise of Iwobi, and the physicality of Osimhen to toggle between styles.
4. Ambitious attack force
With Osimhen leading the line, backed by Lookman, Moffi, Chukwueze, and young Arokodare, Nigeria has goal threat across many axes. The fear is injuries or form slumps — but on paper, the attack is formidable.
Local Flavor & Fan Chops
What dey social media? Wetin Naija streets dey talk? Make we vibe with local reaction.
WhatsApp / Street gist
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“Who no go like see Osimhen dey do wahala for defence?”
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“Lookman must dey start; e sabi run pass.”
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“Why dem no call that one wey dey NPFL?”
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“Abegi, make una no disgrace us for qualifiers.”
These lines pepper group chats and barbershop debates across Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and beyond.
Reactions on X / Threads / Instagram
Hashtags trending: #SuperEagles2025, #ChelleSquad, #NaijaFootball.
Some fans rejoice:
“Finally Chelle don show vision.”
Others shade:
“Them forget domestic talents dem no call.”
Yoruba / Pidgin lingo
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“Oya now, make dem no spoil us for Africa.”
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“Abeg, no let us dey suffer again.”
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“This squad get jara but I hope dem go deliver.”
These expressive touches add flavor and make the narrative feel rooted in Naija.
Stars to Watch: Who Might Shine
Here are some players most likely to steal the show:
| Player | Why You Should Watch | Risk / Question |
|---|---|---|
| Victor Osimhen | Leader, striker, big ego, big goals | Injuries or defensive attention |
| Ademola Lookman | Speed, trickery, goal threat | Needs consistency |
| Wilfred Ndidi | Shield, experience, engine in midfield | Stamina over long campaigns |
| Alex Iwobi | Creativity, link play, crossing | Needs service and support |
| Zaidu Sanusi | New inclusion, defensive solidity | Fit, coupling with others |
| Tolu Arokodare | Young, hungry, athletic | Big stage pressure |
Also, watch for late surprise inclusions or home-league stars pushing to make the team.
Challenges & Concerns
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Injuries & fitness: Key players missing could upset balance.
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Squad cohesion: New comers need to gel fast.
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Pressure & expectations: Nigeria dey expect to dominate Africa — no room for flop.
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Travel, logistics, and fatigue: Afcon / World Cup qualifiers taxing.
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Opponents raising game: Teams like South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt go tough.
The Road Ahead: Matches & Objectives
The first test after squad reveal is World Cup qualifying matches: Lesotho (away) and Benin Republic (home). These games are survival battles — win to keep hopes alive. Arise News+2Trending News+2
Beyond qualifiers, the squad will prepare for AFCON 2025 (if Nigeria qualifies), and continental matches. Already, reports suggest Super Eagles will open AFCON 2025 camp December 10. Score Nigeria
Goal: dominate Africa, get to World Cup, rebuild identity.
Comparisons to Past Squads & Legacy
People go dey compare this to squads of old: 2013, 2018, 2019 with stars like Mikel, Okocha, Kanu, Yakubu. The question: Does this squad have character, heart, fire to match legacy?
Also, cheerleaders of domestic leagues will ask: why many foreign-based players? Why not more NPFL stars? This tension always dey.
By the way, for broader Nigeria current affairs and how sports stories tie into national conversation, you fit check my pillar post Nigeria News and Gossip: The Untold Stories Shaping 2025 here: https://www.naijascene.com/2025/09/nigeria-news-and-gossip-untold-stories.html
As well, for entertainment, culture, and gossip context, also refer to Nigerian news and gossip (latest updates): https://www.naijascene.com/2025/08/nigerian-news-and-gossip-latest-updates.html
Why This Squad Matters for Nigerian Football
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It signals direction under Chelle: youth + experience
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Potential to rebuild national pride
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Opportunity for domestic players to break in
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Platform to challenge African heavyweights
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Economic / sponsorship impact — performance = brand value
Summary & Final Thoughts
The moment for Super Eagles 2025 squad revealed has come. The 23 names carry dreams, hopes, pressure, and responsibility. This team is more than just a list — it’s Nigeria’s future in African football, and possibly world stage.
For Nigerian football lovers, this is gold. We go monitor every match, every lineup, every substitution. Will this squad deliver? Will they flop? Only time go tell.
Now e dey your turn: which player you dey most excite for this 2025 squad? Who dey your starting XI? Drop your thoughts in the comments below — make we gist!
And don’t forget to share this post with your football friends so dem fit join the discussion.
Stay tuned to NaijaScene.com for more Nigerian football insight, match previews, reaction pieces, and in-depth trend stories.
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