Eric Chelle’s 55-man provisional Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has sparked significant debate, Soccernet.ng reports.
The list features big names like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Stanley Nwabali.
Surprisingly, five home-based players have also been included, giving domestic talents a chance to compete alongside Europe-based stars as Nigeria aims for its fourth AFCON title.
Onuachu, Osimhen make Super Eagles preliminary squad for 2025 AFCON.
The squad includes an unusually large pool across every department – six goalkeepers, 13 defenders, 12 midfielders and 23 forwards – as Chelle continues to cast his net wide ahead of Nigeria’s final selection. pic.twitter.com/XgW4noTwzA
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) December 3, 2025
Five NPFL Players Who Made Chelle’s AFCON List
Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos)
Sporting Lagos goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt is the only home-based shot-stopper included. He has previously been invited as the third goalkeeper of the Super Eagles following his outstanding performance for the Flying Eagles (U20), where Nigeria secured a bronze medal and a ticket to the U20 World Cup in Chile.
Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors)
Abia Warriors’ Adeleke has been one of the most consistent defenders in the NPFL. He was previously invited by Gernot Rohr to face Mexico alongside Stanley Nwabali, John Noble, Ibrahim Olawoyin, and other home-based players in a game that ended 4-0 in favour of Nigeria.
Adeleke is known for his strength in duels and aerial dominance, qualities that have clearly piqued the interest of former Lens defender Chelle.
Abdulrasheed Shehu (Niger Tornadoes)
A natural left-footer operating from the right, Abdulrasheed Shehu has been one of Niger Tornadoes’ brightest wingers this season, contributing 3 goals and 3 assists in 11 NPFL matches.
His performances have likely convinced Chelle to hand him a provisional AFCON call-up. Shehu’s qualities could earn him a deeper role as the squad is trimmed to 28 players.
Ekeson Okorie (Nasarawa United)
Born in Ugwulangwu, Nigeria, Okorie is a right-footed right winger known for his creativity on the flank. He has made 15 NPFL appearances this season, scoring once, and his consistent displays earned him a spot in Chelle’s provisional squad.
Chisom Orji (Warri Wolves)
Chisom Orji completes the list of home-based invitees. Standing 1.95 m tall, the left-footed centre-forward has featured in 9 NPFL matches, scoring once.
Congratulations to Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors) and Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai (Niger Tornadoes),
as well as forwards Ekeson Okorie (Nasarawa United) and Chisom Orji (Warri Wolves),
on being named in the Super Eagles AFCON preliminary list.#NPFLxSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/EDjAmXeFzr— NPFL News (@NPFL_News) December 2, 2025
His physical presence and goal threat earned him a place in Chelle’s squad, although it will be challenging for him to beat Europe-based players when the final 28-man list is released.