AFCON 2025: Chelle Faces Pressure as Super Eagles Final Squad Deadline Looms

With days remaining before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad submission deadline, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is under increasing scrutiny as he prepares to unveil Nigeria’s 28-man roster for the tournament in Morocco later this month.

Chelle’s provisional 54-man list drew mixed reactions across the football community, with calls for broader opportunities for emerging talents to feature on the continental stage. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has set Thursday as the final date for all participating nations to confirm their squads.

Complicating matters further is FIFA’s decision to shorten pre-tournament preparations to just a week, forcing many teams, including Nigeria, to abandon plans for significant squad restructuring.

Fresh Faces Expected

Despite the tight schedule, sources close to the team suggest Chelle plans to introduce four or five new players to inject energy and depth into the squad. Among the likely newcomers:

• Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers): The Arsenal academy product has excelled in the English Championship and could replace Ola Aina, who is sidelined due to injury. Alebiosu’s inclusion is bolstered by Bright Osayi-Samuel’s limited playing time at Birmingham City.
• Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa/Inter Milan loanee): The 21-year-old midfielder is on course for his first AFCON appearance, potentially sharing midfield duties with Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika. His inclusion reflects Nigeria’s long-term rebuilding strategy following recent World Cup qualification disappointments.
• Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague): With captain William Troost-Ekong unavailable and Benjamin Fredrick recovering from injury, Ogbu’s return to fitness after debuting at the Unity Cup in May increases his chances of making the final roster.
• Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor): The Turkish Super Lig top scorer with 11 goals is tipped for a recall, offering support to Victor Osimhen in attack. Onuachu last represented Nigeria in June 2024.

Key Questions Ahead

As Chelle finalizes his selections, football observers are asking whether this blend of emerging talents and experienced campaigners can deliver success in Morocco. The squad’s composition will be critical as Nigeria seeks to reassert itself as a continental powerhouse while preparing for future tournaments.

The Super Eagles final list will be closely watched by fans, analysts, and stakeholders alike, with anticipation mounting over the potential impact of the new inclusions on Nigeria’s AFCON campaign.