Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, is set to significantly reduce his preliminary squad list ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Officials have confirmed that the final selection will be made before the team's international friendly match against Egypt in Cairo.
Strategic Planning Behind the Large Provisional List
The Malian tactician has faced some criticism for naming a massive 55-player provisional list for the tournament. However, the team's Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, has defended the move, calling it a strategic decision. He explained that the coach is preparing for any unforeseen circumstances before the championship begins.
Efoghe stated that while the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will not take all 55 players to camp, the extensive list provides a necessary buffer. "The list will take care of the unexpected before the AFCON," he told The Guardian. The final squad for the competition will be announced just before the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) submission deadline of December 11.
Camp Schedule and New Faces in the Squad
The Super Eagles will officially begin their AFCON preparations by opening camp in Egypt on December 10. Their first test will be an international friendly against the Pharaohs of Egypt on December 14. If plans proceed smoothly, the team is expected to play an additional practice match in Egypt before traveling to Rabat, Morocco, for the AFCON opener on December 21.
Efoghe emphasized that Coach Chelle has kept the national team camp open to all eligible players showcasing good form. This inclusive approach is reflected in the provisional list, which features several new names. The list includes:
- Five home-based players from the Nigerian league.
- Twelve Europe-based stars receiving their first-ever call-ups to the senior national team.
Notable debutants on the 55-man list include Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers), Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen), Philip Otele (FC Basel), and Tom Dele-Bashiru, whose brother Fisayo has been a recent regular in the squad. Other new invitees are Adekunle Adeleke, Tochukwu Nnadi, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi, among others.
Final Preparations and Expectations
This period marks a critical phase in Nigeria's preparation for AFCON 2025. The friendly against Egypt will serve as a vital gauge of the team's readiness and provide Coach Chelle with crucial insights before finalizing his tournament roster. The large provisional list underscores the competitive environment within the squad, as both established stars and fresh talents vie for a spot in the final team bound for Morocco.
All eyes will now be on the coaching staff as they make the difficult decisions to trim the squad down to the required size, balancing experience with emerging talent in the quest for continental glory.
