Chelle Unveils 28-Player Squad For Super Eagles’ AFCON Ambitions

The anticipation is building up as Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekou Chelle on Tuesday announced a formidable 28-player squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The continental showpiece is slated to kick off on December 21st in Morocco, and Nigeria’s technical team is pulling out all the stops to rectify their recent CAF Play-Off disappointments.

The Franco-Malian tactician, who has been diligently working behind the scenes, is understood to have consulted extensively with senior players and provided a comprehensive overview of his strategic plans to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Committee on Monday, December 1st.

This crucial meeting signalled a decisive step towards finalising the squad that will carry Nigeria’s hopes of a fourth AFCON crown.

Sources close to the federation have indicated to THE NEWSHAUS that the release of the provisional list is imminent, with the clock rapidly ticking down to the tournament’s commencement.

“The Super Eagles provisional list is ready and might even be released this week,” a highly placed source confirmed.

Having guided the team through a series of high-stakes matches since March, Chelle expressed his unwavering confidence in the squad’s mental fortitude.

He believes the pressure inherent in recent fixtures has forged a resilient unit, well-prepared for the demands of the AFCON stage.

“Of course, we want to win it (AFCON title),” Chelle declared in a recent interview with CAF. “Personally, I want to win AFCON. My last and first AFCON was a fantastic experience.

“I think Morocco will be a great tournament, too. The players feel the same. Since March, we’ve played every match under pressure. When we set foot in Morocco, that pressure will be familiar. We’ll be ready mentally and in our collective mindset.”

Chelle’s ambition to etch Nigeria’s name onto the AFCON trophy for a fourth time, adding to their triumphs in 1980, 1994, and 2013, is clear. His focus on mental preparedness underscores a strategic approach aimed at navigating the competitive landscape of the tournament.

Meanwhile, South Africa has already set the pace by being the first nation to officially unveil their squad, with coach Hugo Broos including two exciting young talents making their senior international debuts.

As Nigeria gears up for its AFCON campaign, the imminent announcement of Chelle’s squad is keenly awaited, signalling the concrete steps being taken towards their continental aspirations.

The nation will be watching closely as the Super Eagles aim to soar once again in Morocco.