Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has officially submitted his provisional squad list for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, marking his first major team selection since Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
New Faces and Returning Stars in Provisional Squad
The provisional list features several notable inclusions, with Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface receiving another opportunity to prove himself on the international stage. Despite making 13 appearances for the national team since his 2023 debut, the 24-year-old forward is yet to score for the Super Eagles.
Boniface last featured for Nigeria during an international friendly match against Russia on June 6, 2025, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Although he has been performing well during his loan spell at Werder Bremen, the striker has not found the net in eight matches across all competitions.
The list also introduces fresh talent, including Fredrick Benjamin and Akor Adams, who will have the chance to make their international debut at the continental championship. Tolu Arokodare completes the trio of potential debutants in Chelle's provisional selection.
AFCON 2025 Tournament Schedule and Group Stage
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco. Nigeria, having finished as runners-up in the previous edition after losing 2-1 to host nation Ivory Coast in the final, will be determined to go one step further this time.
The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Their tournament campaign begins against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on December 23, followed by a clash with the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia four days later. Their final group stage match will be against Uganda's Cranes on December 30.
Team Confidence and Opposition Warnings
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has expressed strong confidence in Nigeria's chances of lifting the trophy in Morocco. In an interview with SuperSport, the Chippa United shot-stopper stated: "It's a big nation and going to a bigger tournament, because the Africa Cup of Nations is one of the biggest tournaments in the world, not only in Africa. As a big nation, we always expect to win, not to just go to participate."
However, Uganda's coach Paul Put has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian team, declaring that his side will not be intimidated by any of their Group C opponents, including tournament favorites Nigeria.
While Eric Chelle's provisional list has not been made public officially, reports indicate that most players who participated in the World Cup playoffs have been included. The tactician appears to be putting the World Cup qualification disappointment behind him as he focuses on assembling a competitive squad for Africa's premier football competition.
