By Samuel Adeola

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, scheduled for December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.

The squad, trimmed from an initial 54-man provisional list, comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and nine forwards.

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare were notable omissions.

However, Francis Uzoho and Trabzonspor forward Paul Onuachu return after more than a year out of the team.

Chelle handed debuts to several new faces, including Blackburn Rovers’ Ryan Alebiosu and Slavia Prague centre-back Igoh Ogbu in defence.

Inter Milan midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Israel-based Usman Muhammed and Tochukwu Nnadi were also included. Former Flying Eagles star Lawal Salim Fago is the latest addition in attack.

Uzoho, now playing in Cyprus, will battle Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali, who remains a fitness doubt and Singida Black Stars’ Amas Obasogie for the No. 1 shirt.

Regulars Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi and Zaidu Sanusi all made the defensive list.

Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika headline the midfield.

Victor Osimhen leads a strike force that includes Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke.

Cyriel Dessers retained his place despite recent criticism, while in-form Onuachu earned his first call-up under Chelle.

Nigeria will face Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda in Group C.

Meanwhile, the NFF Executive Committee has urged the squad to put their World Cup qualifying setback behind them as they pursue a fourth AFCON title.

The team departs for Morocco with the weight of expectation from millions of fans.

By Samuel Adeola

Lionel Messi will on Saturday unveil a 21-metre iron statue of himself in Kolkata as he begins a three-day India tour that has already sparked massive fan excitement.

The statue, depicting Messi lifting the World Cup, is part of the “GOAT Tour’’ covering four cities.

The 38-year-old Argentina captain and Inter Miami star will unveil the monument virtually due to security concerns.

Kolkata has created a “Hola Messi’’ fan zone featuring a life-sized throne display and a mock-up of Messi’s Miami home. “Seeing Messi visit India is a dream come true,” said football fan Samir Nandy, adding that the statue was “a fitting tribute.”

Lead sculptor Monty Paul told AFP the structure was completed in 40 days, describing it as “the tallest statue I have ever made.”

During his stop in Kolkata, Messi is expected to meet Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and former cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, and play a brief friendly match.

He will later visit Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi for another friendly, a concert in his honour, and a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ahead of the visit, Messi said he looked forward to returning to India after 14 years.

“India is a passionate football nation, and I am excited to meet a new generation of fans,” he said.

The trip comes days after Messi won his second straight MLS Most Valuable Player award, having led Inter Miami to the league title.

He is also expected to lead Argentina as they defend their World Cup crown next year.

By Samuel Adeola

Super Eagles forward and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has been named GQ Turkey’s Sportsman of the Year.

The 26-year-old received the award on Wednesday at a ceremony in Istanbul, where GQ honoured top achievers across sports, entertainment and culture.

Osimhen has been a standout performer since joining Galatasaray.

He scored 37 goals and provided seven assists in 41 matches last season, helping the club win both the Super Lig and Turkish Cup and prompting Galatasaray to complete a €75 million permanent transfer from Napoli, a Turkish record.

Despite injuries this season, he has netted 11 goals in 14 appearances across all competitions.

Osimhen also remains central to the Super Eagles’ plans, scoring six goals in five World Cup qualifiers and two more in the AFCON play-off before injury sidelined him.

He is expected to lead Nigeria’s attack at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

In his acceptance speech, Osimhen thanked GQ, his family and the Galatasaray community, saying he would “continue to do my best for my family, for Galatasaray, for the fans all over the world.”

Other honourees included actor Aras Aydın as International Achiever of the Year, actress Sinem Ünsal as Woman of the Year, and singer Edis as Music Person of the Year.