Behind the Closed Doors: Key Issues Dominating NFF’s AFCON Preparatory Meeting

Behind the Closed Doors: Key Issues Dominating NFF’s AFCON Preparatory Meeting

By Admin 

The leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) convened a closed-door meeting in Abuja on Wednesday to finalize key preparations ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which begins in Morocco in a few days.

Sources told Blueprint.ng that the meeting, presided over by NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, covered a range of pressing issues, including the national team’s camping arrangements, approval of the final 28-man squad, player bonuses, and outstanding salary payments for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle.

The gathering also reportedly addressed Nigeria’s upcoming international friendly against Egypt scheduled to take place in Cairo next week, as well as lingering concerns from the country’s failed 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.

Notably absent from the meeting were the federation’s second vice chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, and board member Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu. Elegbeleye was said to be on an official trip to Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the announcement of the Super Eagles’ final AFCON squad has been delayed amid what an insider described as pressure from “powerful interests” pushing for the inclusion of certain players.

“That is what has delayed the announcement of the final squad, nothing more, nothing less,” the official confirmed.

The NFF has approved a 28-man roster for the tournament, which kicks off on December 21. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has set Thursday as the final deadline for all participating nations to submit their squad lists.