Head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled a massive 54-man provisional roster for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, setting the stage for difficult decisions as he must cut it down to the final 28 players. The announcement has sparked intense debate among Nigerian football fans, with several high-profile names now considered unlikely to make the final trip to Morocco.
The Final Cut: Who is on the Chopping Block?
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has set a firm deadline of December 11 for all teams to submit their final 28-man squads. With the tournament kicking off on December 21 in Morocco, Chelle's extensive list, which includes 14 new faces and five players from the NPFL, is merely a starting point. Analysis suggests at least eight established stars face an anxious wait and probable disappointment.
Francis Uzoho, the goalkeeper who featured at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, is tipped to miss out. The coaching staff is expected to favor the trio of Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, and Amas Obasogie, leaving Uzoho's international future uncertain.
Injury woes have clouded the prospects of others. Werder Bremen's Felix Agu is recovering from a knee ligament injury, while Nottingham Forest's Ola Aina, despite a recent return to training, is still reportedly weeks away from full fitness following a serious hamstring issue sustained against South Africa in September.
Striker Conundrum: Big Names Facing Omission
The attack presents Chelle with his biggest headache. Despite a return to form with Real Sociedad, Sadiq Umar is forecasted to be overlooked in favor of Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, and Tolu Arokodare.
Perhaps the most surprising potential exclusions are Victor Boniface and Paul Onuachu. Boniface, despite his inclusion in the provisional squad, had an underwhelming loan spell at Werder Bremen and has failed to cement a place in the national team. Onuachu's case is particularly curious; the Super Lig's current top scorer with 11 goals was previously snubbed for World Cup qualifiers, and his preliminary call-up is not seen as a guarantee for the final list.
Other forwards in danger include Kelechi Iheanacho, whose move to Celtic has been disrupted by injury, and Cyriel Dessers, whose recent performances for Nigeria drew criticism from the NFF. Wingers Nathan Tella and Christantus Uche, along with striker Taiwo Awoniyi, are also mentioned as players fighting an uphill battle for selection.
Fan Reaction and the Road to Morocco
The release of the 54-man list was met with mixed reactions from the Nigerian public. Fans took to social media and sports forums to question the inclusion of some players and, conversely, the omission of others. The focus now shifts to the coach's deliberations ahead of the December 11 submission date.
The coming days will be crucial for the players on the fringe. While the provisional squad offers a glimmer of hope, the reality of squad reduction means heartbreak for many. Eric Chelle's final 28-man selection will ultimately reveal his tactical blueprint and the players he trusts to bring the AFCON trophy back to Nigeria.
