As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations approaches, national team lists are being finalized across the continent, and with them come difficult decisions, controversy, and unexpected omissions. Several well-known players from Europe’s top leagues will miss out on the tournament in Morocco, either due to injuries, lack of form, eligibility issues, or internal conflicts within their federations.

Remember that you can enjoy every single match of AFCON 2025 live on beIN Sports starting December 21.

Nicolas Pépé – Ivory Coast

The absence of Nicolas Pépé from Ivory Coast’s squad is one of the biggest surprises. The winger has been in strong form with Villarreal, even earning LaLiga Player of the Month honors earlier this season. However, head coach Emerse Faé explained that multiple factors, both on and off the pitch, influenced the decision, leaving Pépé out despite his performances.

Kelechi Iheanacho – Nigeria

Kelechi Iheanacho will not represent Nigeria at AFCON 2025 due to fitness concerns. The forward only recently returned from a hamstring injury and is still dealing with abdominal discomfort, according to the national team’s medical staff. Nigeria opted not to risk calling up a player who is not yet at full physical capacity.

Victor Boniface – Nigeria

Another notable Nigerian omission is Victor Boniface, who has struggled to make an impact since joining Werder Bremen on loan from Bayer Leverkusen. Without goals at club level and no goals in 13 international appearances, the striker failed to convince selectors ahead of the tournament.

Christantus Uche – Ivory Coast

Christantus Uche also misses out for Ivory Coast. The Crystal Palace midfielder has made only four Premier League appearances, all as a substitute, since arriving on loan from Getafe, and has not shown enough consistency to secure a place in the squad.

Vincent Aboubakar – Cameroon

Cameroon’s squad selection has been surrounded by controversy, especially following the exclusion of Vincent Aboubakar. Reports suggest internal politics may have played a role, with speculation that Cameroon FA president Samuel Eto’o wanted to protect his own national scoring record. While unconfirmed, the decision has raised eyebrows.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting – Cameroon

Despite being in good form with the New York Red Bulls, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting was also left out. His reduced involvement with the national team since leaving Europe and his lack of international goals since 2022 weighed against him.

André Onana – Cameroon

The situation surrounding André Onana has been one of the most confusing. The goalkeeper was initially excluded due to an ongoing dispute with head coach Marc Brys, before reports suggested he could be recalled. As of now, his status remains unclear.

Hakim Ziyech – Morocco

Host nation Morocco will not have Hakim Ziyech available for AFCON 2025. Although the former captain has returned to club football with Wydad AC, he is ineligible to play until January, ruling him out of the tournament.

Yoane Wissa – DR Congo

Finally, Yoane Wissa has been left out of DR Congo’s squad after only recently returning from a long injury layoff with Newcastle. The forward has not had enough time to regain form and match fitness ahead of the competition.

An AFCON Full of Talent… and Missing Stars

With AFCON 2025 set to begin on December 21 in Morocco, these omissions will fuel debate across the continent — from form and fitness questions to selection politics and unresolved internal tensions. What’s certain is that the tournament will still deliver elite-level drama, and many of these absent stars will watch from home as new heroes try to write the story of Africa’s biggest stage.

What won’t change is where to watch it: every single match of the Africa Cup of Nations will be available exclusively on beIN Sports, from the opening kickoff all the way to the grand final.

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