The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has encountered a significant obstacle in its build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Reports confirm that Hamburger SV defender Jordan Torunarigha has declined an invitation to join the provisional squad, dealing a blow to coach Eric Chelle's plans less than three weeks before the tournament kicks off.
Torunarigha's Stance and Squad Dynamics
According to emerging reports, the 28-year-old German-born defender turned down the call-up after seeking assurances from the coaching staff that he would be included in the final 23-man roster. This demand reportedly led coach Eric Chelle to name a 54-man provisional list instead of the initially intended 55 players.
Jordan Torunarigha, who switched his international allegiance from Germany to Nigeria in 2023, has had limited involvement with the Super Eagles since his debut. He was an unused substitute in World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe earlier this year and was subsequently left out of the squad for matches against Lesotho and Benin Republic in October.
His sole appearance for Nigeria came as a 75th-minute substitute in a 3-2 friendly victory over Mozambique. At club level, Torunarigha has featured in five Bundesliga matches for Hamburger SV in the 2025/26 season without registering a goal or an assist.
AFCON Preparations and Provisional Squad
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officially released the expansive 54-man provisional squad on the morning of Tuesday, December 2, just eight days before the submission deadline set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Coach Eric Chelle is now tasked with trimming this list down to the final 23 players by December 10.
The large provisional selection, particularly the inclusion of 23 forwards, has sparked intense debate among fans and pundits on social media. Nigeria finds itself in Group C for the tournament, scheduled to run from December 21 to January 18. The Super Eagles will face Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda as they pursue a fourth AFCON title, their last triumph coming in 2013.
Leadership Change and Broader Context
This squad news follows another major development within the team camp. As previously reported, coach Eric Chelle has removed William Troost-Ekong as team captain ahead of the continental championship. The former Watford defender has opted to focus on his club commitments following controversies during the World Cup qualifying playoffs. Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is set to lead the team in Morocco.
The double development of a key player's refusal and a change in leadership presents a challenging environment for the Super Eagles' campaign. The team's ability to quickly unify and focus will be critical as the countdown to the opening match continues.
All eyes will now be on Coach Chelle's final squad selection on December 10 and how the team manages these disruptions in its quest to end a 12-year AFCON trophy drought.
