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The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is approaching rapidly, with all competing nations, including Nigeria’s Super Eagles, having announced their preliminary squads.
On Tuesday, head coach Eric Chelle unveiled a 55-man provisional roster featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. This list is expected to be whittled down to 28 players shortly, with several positions still fiercely contested.
As is often the case, squad selections spark debate among fans and analysts alike, with coaching staff’s preferences sometimes diverging from public opinion. Coaches tend to favor players they have previously worked with and trust, which can influence final decisions.
Before the official 28-man roster is announced, Soccernet.ng highlights five notable players included in Chelle’s provisional list who are unlikely to make the final cut for AFCON 2025.
1. Paul Onuachu: Prolific Yet Overlooked
Paul Onuachu has been a standout striker in the Turkish Süper Lig, netting 11 goals and providing one assist this season for Trabzonspor. He currently leads the league’s scoring charts and is Nigeria’s top European goalscorer in 2025.
Süper Lig | Gol Krallığı
Paul Onuachu
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Despite his impressive form, Chelle appears unconvinced, opting instead for Tolu Arokodare, who has struggled for game time at Wolves. Given Chelle’s current preferences, Onuachu’s exclusion from the final squad seems likely.
2. Francis Uzoho: Experienced Keeper Facing Competition
With 35 caps, Francis Uzoho is a familiar figure between the sticks for Nigeria. However, he has not featured for the Super Eagles since January 2024 and currently serves as the backup goalkeeper at Omonia, limiting his match fitness.
Given that only three goalkeepers are selected for the tournament and with Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye firmly established as first and second choices, Uzoho’s chances of making the final squad are slim.
3. Felix Agu: Injury Setback Hampers Prospects
Felix Agu’s inclusion in the provisional squad is surprising given his ongoing recovery from an injury sustained in early October. The 26-year-old defender has been sidelined for several months and is unlikely to regain full fitness before the tournament.
His absence from competitive action makes it improbable that he will be ready to contribute in Morocco.
4. Taiwo Awoniyi: Struggling for Form and Fitness
Taiwo Awoniyi has endured a challenging season, hampered by injuries and limited playing time at Nottingham Forest. He has appeared in only four matches this season, none of which saw him complete the full 90 minutes, and his goal-scoring form has dipped significantly.
Given the fierce competition for attacking roles, it would be unexpected for Chelle to include Awoniyi in the final squad.
5. Victor Boniface: Battling Injuries and Inconsistency
Victor Boniface, also from Werder Bremen, is another unexpected name on the provisional list. Like Awoniyi, injuries have limited his impact this season. Although he has contributed three assists, he has yet to find the back of the net for his club in 2025.
With other forwards in better form, Boniface’s inclusion in the final AFCON squad would come as a surprise.
