Nigeria choose AFCON squad stacked with star strikers

The Super Eagles kick off their Group C campaign on December 23 against Tanzania, followed by matches against Tunisia and Uganda. While the top two finishers qualify automatically, the four best third-placed teams also advance to the knockout stage. Favorites Nigeria and Tunisia are expected to progress, leaving the East African sides fighting for third.

Coach Eric Chelle has selected nine forwards, capitalizing on Nigeria’s immense attacking talent. The squad features 2023 African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, though Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface and Wolves’ Tolu Arokodare were surprisingly omitted.

Fulham supplies three key players: Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and loanee Samuel Chukwueze, who recently scored twice against Manchester City. Despite an ongoing injury, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was included.

Three-time champions and recent runners-up, Nigeria will face title contenders Egypt in a Cairo warm-up on December 16 before travelling to Fes, Morocco, for their opening fixtures.