In a strategic move to bolster the Super Eagles' attacking options, head coach Eric Chelle has reportedly extended a first-time invitation to 22-year-old striker Rafiu Durosinmi ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Durosinmi Receives Maiden Super Eagles Call-Up
According to reports from ScoreNigeria, Chelle has been closely monitoring the progress of the Viktoria Plzen forward and has been impressed with his performances, particularly in the UEFA Europa League this season. The coach is said to view Durosinmi as a viable alternative to star striker Victor Osimhen, following inconsistent showings from other options like Tolu Arokodare, Paul Onuachu, and Cyriel Dessers.
A source within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that Chelle personally communicated with the player's agent to discuss his availability before including him in the preliminary squad. The source stated, "I can tell you that Chelle spoke with the agent of Durosinmi before including him in his list of players for the tournament. We will wait to see if he makes the final 28-man list."
Player Profile and Current Form
Rafiu Durosinmi has made a strong comeback this season after recovering from a serious knee injury. The Nigerian forward has scored 12 goals in 27 matches across all competitions for his Czech club, Viktoria Plzen, according to data from Transfermarkt.
His recent form includes scoring his sixth league goal in a 2–1 victory over Mlada Boleslav, where he netted in the 82nd minute to seal the win. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with several English Football League (EFL) clubs, including Hull City, Derby County, Oxford United, and Huddersfield Town, reportedly eyeing a January move for the striker, whose contract expires next summer.
AFCON 2025 Context and Super Eagles' Ambitions
The call-up comes as Coach Eric Chelle finalizes his preparations for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Nigeria, drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda, is aiming to win its fourth continental title.
This campaign follows the heartbreak of the 2023 final, where the Super Eagles lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast, and the recent disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a penalty shootout defeat in the playoffs. The team is now fully focused on continental glory.
While Chelle is yet to officially announce his preliminary list, it is understood he submitted an expanded 55-man roster to the NFF, which will be trimmed down to the final 28 players for the tournament. The potential inclusion of Durosinmi signals a willingness to inject fresh talent into the squad as Nigeria seeks to reclaim the AFCON trophy.
