The release of the Super Eagles’ 54-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, announced by coach Eric Chelle, is more than just a formality—it is a national plea for redemption. For a football-crazy nation still reeling from the devastating failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this continental tournament is an urgent opportunity to heal, rebuild, and restore national pride.
💔 The Shadow of the World Cup Failure
The Super Eagles’ recent World Cup qualifying campaign has been described as “chaotic” and “unacceptable,” marked by inconsistent performances, internal strife, and administrative issues. The failure to secure a spot in the 2026 global showcase—missing a second consecutive World Cup—has left a deep wound in Nigerian football. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) issued a public apology, and figures like former captain Mikel Obi have called for wholesale changes.
The focus on AFCON 2025 is a direct response to this failure. It is a chance for the players and the new technical team, led by Chelle, to channel the disappointment into a powerful motivation. As one former international stated, missing the World Cup is enough motivation to make Nigerians happy again. The entire campaign for Morocco, where Nigeria is drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, will be viewed through the prism of this World Cup heartbreak.
🌟 The Spine of the Squad: Key Foreign-Based Inclusions
Coach Chelle’s provisional list is anchored by a core group of established, foreign-based stars who carry the bulk of the nation’s expectations. Their performance will be central to the team’s success in Morocco.
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Victor Osimhen (Forward): The reigning CAF Player of the Year is the unquestioned offensive talisman. His goal-scoring prowess, intensity, and ability to lead the line make him indispensable. However, the World Cup qualifiers showed the team’s vulnerability without him at his peak, collecting only 4 of 15 available points. His ability to stay fit and in form will be paramount.
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William Troost-Ekong (Defender/Captain): The captain and defensive leader, Ekong’s experience and presence are vital, especially after his influential role in the previous AFCON campaign, where Nigeria finished as runners-up. His leadership will be critical for a squad under immense pressure.
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Wilfred Ndidi (Midfielder): The midfield engine. Ndidi’s ball-winning ability, work rate, and control will be the foundation of Chelle’s tactical setup. His fitness and form are essential for dominating the crucial central areas of the pitch.
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Stanley Nwabali (Goalkeeper): Having emerged as a reliable first-choice goalkeeper, Nwabali provides much-needed stability between the sticks. His inclusion highlights a commitment to consistency in a position that has often been problematic for the Super Eagles.
Other established stars like Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and Calvin Bassey also feature prominently, ensuring that the final 28-man squad will possess a wealth of experience from top European leagues.
🌱 The Local Integration: Embracing NPFL Talent
A notable characteristic of Chelle’s 54-man list is the inclusion of several players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). This is a significant move, signaling an intent to assess and integrate domestic talent.
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Home-Based Players: Individuals like Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ebenezer Harcourt, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, and Adekunle Adeleke have been called up for assessment. This not only rewards strong local performance but also widens the talent pool, potentially injecting fresh perspective and hunger.
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The Blend: This mix aims to strike a necessary balance between the world-class quality of the foreign legion and the raw passion and fight of the local players. The challenge for Chelle is to make this blend cohesive and effective in a short period.
⏱️ The Ticking Clock: Short Preparation Window
The AFCON 2025 tournament is scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
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Camp Date: The Super Eagles are scheduled to open their training camp in Egypt on December 10, giving the coach a remarkably short window—only 11 days—to trim the provisional list to a final 28-man squad, integrate new tactics, build team chemistry, and achieve match fitness through warm-up games.
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Logistical Challenge: This brief preparation period, which starts just over a week before their first group match against Tanzania on December 23, poses a major logistical and tactical challenge. Coaches typically prefer a longer window to instill discipline and their footballing philosophy. This “fire-brigade preparation,” as some critics call it, will test Chelle’s managerial acumen to the limit.
🔑 Conclusion: The Road to Morocco
The 54-man provisional squad represents the first, decisive step on Nigeria’s road to redemption. The inclusion of the big-name players ensures the team has the world-class talent needed to compete for a fourth continental title. The addition of local players promises fresh motivation and depth.
However, the looming shadow of the World Cup failure, coupled with the extremely short preparation window, means that Coach Chelle and the Super Eagles face one of the most intense pressure campaigns in recent history. Success in Morocco is not just about a trophy; it is about national healing and proving that the Super Eagles can indeed rise again.
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