Nigeria’s head coach Éric Sékou Chelle has cast a wide net as he prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, unveiling a 54-player provisional Super Eagles list that mixes established stars, returning veterans, and domestic standouts. The move signals fierce competition for places ahead of the tournament in Morocco.
Among the notable returns on the list are forward Victor Boniface and former Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, both of whom were named after recent absences from some national call-ups. Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho also makes the preliminary list, bolstering the options between the posts. The selection has been published by the Nigeria Football Federation and circulated widely by national media.
Chelle’s list retains the big names that Nigerians expect to see at a major tournament. Sources covering the release say the squad includes established internationals such as Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi alongside younger prospects and several players drawn from the Nigeria Professional Football League — an indication of Chelle’s intent to balance experience with fresh energy.
The provisional list also carries a few disappointments: fast-rising defender Benjamin Fredrick is reported to be out with a knee injury and will miss the tournament selection process, according to media outlets tracking the announcement. Teams will monitor the fitness of other players in the days ahead as Chelle and his backroom staff finalise preparations.
AFCON 2025 in Morocco is scheduled to run from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. The 54-player list is purely provisional — a preliminary step required so coaching teams can evaluate options during training camps and warm-up fixtures before submitting a final squad for the tournament.
Chelle will now begin the task of trimming the roster. Media reports say the list is expected to be reduced in stages ahead of the competition, with intense scrutiny on form, fitness and tactical fit as the coach chooses the final group that will travel to Morocco. The naming of a large provisional squad gives Chelle flexibility but also raises the stakes for players hoping to secure one of the limited places in the final matchday squad.
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