A former Flying Eagles star has delivered a resounding message to Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle as Nigeria finalizes preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The continental showpiece, set for Morocco, will see the three-time champions chase a fourth title with a blend of seasoned veterans and exciting new talent.
Chelle's Squad Selection Blends Experience and Youth
Head coach Eric Chelle unveiled his final 28-man squad for the tournament, a list carefully curated from an initial 54-man provisional roster. The selection marks a strategic shift, introducing five uncapped players to the senior national team setup. The new faces include Ryan Alebiosu, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Salim Fago Lawal, and Tochukwu Nnadi.
This injection of youth comes at a critical juncture for Nigerian football. The Super Eagles are refocusing on continental glory after the bitter disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their hopes were dashed in the African playoffs by DR Congo, who triumphed 4-3 in a penalty shootout after Semi Ajayi missed his crucial spot kick.
Uncapped Striker Makes Case with Club Form
Among the new invitees, striker Salim Fago Lawal is already making headlines even before joining the national camp. The former Mavlon forward showcased his scoring prowess for his club side, NK Istra, in a Croatian HNL match against HNK Rijeka on Sunday, December 14.
According to match data, Lawal opened the scoring in the 5th minute with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area. Although the match was later suspended due to dense fog, the goal was Lawal's seventh of the season, demonstrating the consistent form that likely caught the eye of the national team selectors. He is now set to link up with the Super Eagles ahead of a preparatory friendly against Egypt.
Fan Reactions and Historical Parallels
The inclusion of fresh talent has sparked enthusiastic reactions from Nigerian football fans online. Many see it as a positive and necessary step for the team's evolution.
One supporter drew a historical parallel, commenting, "It’s always good to give some new guys a chance. That was how Westerhof took Amokachi to Algiers '90 after watching him play at the ECOWAS cup. We all know what followed." This reference to the legendary Daniel Amokachi, who burst onto the scene as a teenager before the 1990 AFCON, highlights the potential impact of trusting young talent.
Other fans were equally optimistic. One likened Lawal to former Super Eagles speedster Julius Aghahowa, stating, "He is the Julius Aghahowa in the making. Been long since we saw this kind of explosive striker." Another praised the progression from youth teams, noting, "We've always clamoured for progression of players from the youth level to the senior national team... It's refreshing seeing him & Tochukwu Nnadi progress."
The 35th edition of AFCON is scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across nine host cities in Morocco. Nigeria has been drawn in a group alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda, setting the stage for a challenging but navigable path in the quest for continental supremacy.
In another significant development, coach Eric Chelle has confirmed a new captain for the tournament. With former captain William Troost-Ekong retired, the armband has been handed to experienced midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. The Besiktas star has often deputized as on-pitch skipper in recent matches and now steps into the leadership role permanently, following a lineage that included Ahmed Musa before Ekong.
The message from the former Flying Eagles star underscores a nation's expectation: to rebuild, integrate new blood, and challenge fiercely for the AFCON title in Morocco. All eyes will now be on Chelle's revamped squad as they embark on their mission to bring the trophy back to Nigeria.
