The Nigeria Football Federation is preparing to make a significant announcement regarding the Super Eagles' preliminary squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
Massive 55-Man Provisional List Submitted
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has officially submitted a comprehensive 55-man provisional list to the Nigeria Football Federation on Monday, November 24. The extensive roster represents a strategic blend of experienced players who participated in the previous AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast and uncapped players being considered for national team duties.
The official Super Eagles X account confirmed the impending announcement, posting: "Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary squad announcement coming up." This development comes as the three-time AFCON champions shift their focus to continental glory after the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Group Stage Challenge and Tournament Schedule
Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and hosts Morocco for the continental championship. The tournament is scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 12, 2026, presenting a challenging path for the Super Eagles as they seek to improve upon their second-place finish at the 2023 AFCON.
The Super Eagles' journey to the 2025 tournament comes with heightened expectations following their heartbreaking 2-1 loss to host nation Ivory Coast in the 2023 final. Coach Eric Chelle, who previously coached Mali and was edged out in the quarterfinals by Ivory Coast during his tenure there, now faces the task of assembling a squad capable of bringing the trophy back to Nigeria.
Fan Reactions and Player Expectations
Football enthusiasts across Nigeria have expressed mixed reactions to the upcoming squad announcement. Many supporters have taken to social media to voice their opinions about which players should or shouldn't make the cut.
One X user, @TheBoluSport, strongly advocated for significant changes: "I don't want to see Ndidi, Osayi-Samuel, Samuel Chukwueze in the team. They are basically average players, Ndidi has passed his best. New players should be invited as we build into the future."
Other fans highlighted specific tactical concerns, with @StarTimes_Ng noting: "We need to solve the creative midfield problem," pointing to a long-standing issue in the Super Eagles' setup.
The sentiment among many supporters reflects both frustration and hope, as @UFWasinda expressed: "We really need to win this, to begin our road to recovery from the pain of missing out of the World Cup yesterday again.
Meanwhile, Nigerian international Paul Onuachu has sent a crucial message to Coach Chelle ahead of the tournament. The 31-year-old striker, who recently scored a penalty in Trabzonspor's 4-3 victory against Başakşehir in the Turkish Super Lig, appears to be making his case for inclusion in the final squad.
As the Nigeria Football Federation prepares to unveil the preliminary squad, all eyes will be on the selection choices made by Coach Eric Chelle and whether he can assemble a team capable of delivering Nigeria's fourth AFCON title while addressing the concerns of the passionate Nigerian football community.
