Super Eagles Selection Tension Rises As Chelle Prepares Final AFCON List

Super Eagles Selection Tension Rises As Chelle Prepares Final AFCON List

By BSN Sports 

With days to go before national teams submit final lists for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, pressure is mounting on Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle as he prepares to unveil Nigeria’s 28-man squad for the tournament, which begins later this month in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Chelle’s provisional 54-man list stirred mixed reactions across the football community, with some observers calling for broader opportunities for emerging talents during the continental showpiece in North Africa.

CAF has set Thursday as the deadline for all participating nations to confirm their final squads. Complicating matters further is FIFA’s unexpected decision to shorten pre-tournament preparation to barely a week an adjustment that has forced many teams to abandon plans for significant restructuring.

Despite the tight schedule, Chelle is expected to introduce “four or five new players” to inject fresh energy into the team, a top team source told SCORENigeria.

Among the likely newcomers is Blackburn Rovers right-back Ryan Alebiosu. The Arsenal academy product has been in excellent form in the English Championship and has emerged as a strong candidate to fill the void left by Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina, who is sidelined with injury. Bright Osayi-Samuel’s limited playing time at Birmingham City has further opened the door for Alebiosu.

Midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro is also on course for his first AFCON appearance. The 21-year-old, currently on loan at Pisa from Inter Milan, has enjoyed a breakout season in Serie A and is reportedly close to securing a permanent move. He is expected to compete for midfield minutes alongside Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika as the Super Eagles look toward long-term rebuilding following their latest World Cup qualification setback.

In central defence, Slavia Prague’s Igoh Ogbu appears poised for inclusion. With captain William Troost-Ekong unavailable and Benjamin Fredrick recovering from injury, Ogbu’s recent return to fitness after making his debut at the Unity Cup in May boosts his chances of making the final roster.

Up front, Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu is strongly tipped for a recall. The towering forward leads the Turkish Super Lig scoring charts with 11 goals and could provide much-needed attacking support for Victor Osimhen, whose burden as Nigeria’s primary goal threat has grown. Onuachu last featured for the national team in June 2024 after a late call-up to the 2023 AFCON squad.

As Chelle finalizes his selections, the key question remains: can this blend of new faces and returning players propel the Super Eagles to success in Morocco?