Super Eagles begin process of narrowing down squad for 2025 AFCON campaign

The expansive list comes in the wake of Nigeria narrowly missing out on the Intercontinental World Cup playoff, signalling a renewed focus on continental success.

Chelle's squad features a blend of established internationals and a handful of lesser-known long-term prospects, reflecting his ambition to combine experience with potential.

The coach has emphasised depth, tactical flexibility, and psychological resilience as key pillars for improving on last year's AFCON performance, where Nigeria finished runners-up in Cote d'Ivoire.

Training camp preparations will reportedly begin on 8 December 2025 in Morocco, ahead of the tournament scheduled from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

While the provisional list contains 55 players, the final squad is expected to be trimmed to between 24 and 27 players, in line with revised Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations.

CAF now allows federations to register up to 27 players for major tournaments, though only 23 are sponsored for travel, accommodation, and logistical expenses.

The optional four additional slots must be funded by the national federation, providing flexibility to manage injuries, suspensions, and tactical demands.

Nigeria enters the competition with a rich AFCON history, boasting four titles, with the most recent in 2013.

Chelle and the NFF aim to end a 12-year title drought and reclaim the continental crown, reinforcing Nigeria's standing as one of Africa's football powerhouses.