AFCON 2025: Super Eagles confirm squad numbers ahead of Tanzania opener
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have officially been assigned their squad numbers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, following confirmation by the Confederation of African Football ahead of their Group C opener against Tanzania on December 23.
Head coach Eric Chelle has named a 28-man squad as Nigeria target a fourth continental title at the tournament, which runs from December 21 to January 18..
The list includes three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and nine forwards, all now locked into their shirt allocations.
Alex Iwobi turns down number 10 shirt – Getty image
Goalkeeping hierarchy and leadership signals
Francis Uzoho retains the number one jersey, reflecting his senior status within the squad, although Stanley Nwabali is expected to start the tournament as first choice following his strong performances since AFCON 2023.
Nwabali continues with number 23, while Amas Obasogie completes the goalkeeping unit with number 16.
In defence and midfield, there is a strong sense of continuity. Captain Wilfred Ndidi keeps number four, Semi Ajayi wears six and Frank Onyeka remains with number eight.
A notable shift sees Igho Ogbu handed number five, previously worn by William Troost-Ekong, who retired from international football last month.
Osimhen maintains his number nine shirt, while Lookman picks seven – Getty image
Attackers, iconic shirts and new faces
Victor Osimhen leads the forward line in the iconic number nine shirt, while Ademola Lookman takes over number seven.
Alex Iwobi again opts against wearing number ten, sticking with 17, leaving Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to assume the playmaker’s jersey in Morocco.
Usman Mohammed’s allocation of number 14 stands out, inheriting a shirt long associated with past attacking greats, while several tournament debutants are clearly identified by higher numbers.
Nigeria will face Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30 to conclude the group stage, with expectations firmly set on a deep run.
Full Super Eagles squad numbers – AFCON 2025:
1. Francis Uzoho
2. Bright Osayi-Samuel
3. Zaidu Sanusi
4. Wilfred Ndidi
5. Igho Ogbu
6. Semi Ajayi
7. Ademola Lookman
8. Frank Onyeka
9. Victor Osimhen
10. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
11. Samuel Chukwueze
12. Cyriel Dessers
13. Bruno Onyemaechi
14. Usman Mohammed
15. Moses Simon
16. Amas Obasogie
17. Alex Iwobi
18. Raphael Onyedika
19. Paul Onuachu
20. Chidozie Awaziem
21. Calvin Bassey
22. Akor Adams
23. Stanley Nwabali
24. Chidera Ejuke
25. Salim Fago Lawal
26. Ebenezer Akinsanmiro
27. Ryan Alebiosu
28. Tochukwu Nnadi
