Chelle sweats on Super Eagles final squad for AFCON 2025

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The upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco has put Nigeria’s Super Eagles under intense scrutiny as head coach Eric Chelle prepares to finalize his 28-man squad.

Chelle is expected to announce the roster this week, ahead of the tournament kicking off later this month.

His  initial 54-man provisional squad drew mixed reactions, with critics urging for more players to be given international opportunities. The decision by FIFA to shorten preparation time to just about a week has complicated squad selection, limiting the possibility of a full overhaul.

Chelle, according to SCORENigeria, plans to bring in “four or five new players” to refresh the team.

Among those likely to be included are  Ryan Alebiosu, the Blackburn Rovers’ promising right-back and Arsenal academy graduate making waves in the English Championship.

Others Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, the  21-year-old defensive midfielder on loan to Pisa from Inter Milan who is  seen as part of the team’s future, especially as Nigeria transitions after missing out on World Cup qualification.

There is also Igoh Ogbu, the Slavia Praha’s central defender with previous national team exposure who could get another shot given injuries and absences in defense  while  experienced Trabzonspor’s striker, Paul Onuachu who is the Turkish Super Lig’s top scorer this season with 11 goals, expected to be recalled to provide more attacking options alongside Victor Osimhen.

  But significant absences   may include  injured Ola Aina as well as Bright Osayi-Samuel who has been struggling for playing time at  Birmingham City.

  The final squads must be submitted by Thursday, which adds urgency to Chelle’s decision-making.

The AFCON 2025 will provide an important platform for emerging Nigerian players to prove themselves on a big stage while also testing the blend of youthful energy and experienced stars like Onuachu and Osimhen. Fans and stakeholders await the final squad announcement amid hopes for a strong showing in Morocco.