The announcement of Eric Chelle’s final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to kick off in Morocco on December 21, has sparked mixed reactions and raised several questions among Nigerian football fans. As the Super Eagles aim for their fourth continental title, the squad’s composition has led to both praise and bewilderment.

Goalkeeping Concerns

The goalkeeper selection has raised immediate eyebrows, especially concerning Stanley Nwabali, who is recovering from injuries sustained while playing for Chippa United in South Africa. Despite reports suggesting that Nwabali was suffering from an ankle and hand injury, he was included in the squad. However, Maduka Okoye, the Udinese goalkeeper and former AFCON bronze medalist, was notably absent. Okoye has been in solid form, earning two clean sheets in eight Serie A matches and saving a penalty, yet he did not make the cut. Fans are questioning why Chelle opted for Francis Uzoho, who has faced criticism for inconsistent performances, over Okoye, sparking debates across social media platforms.

@iAmPODii tweeted: “What kind of list is this? Where is the goalkeeper? How did Uzoho make the list? Why is Maduka Okoye not on the list? I thought Stanley was injured? What is wrong with NFF?”

Another fan, @Dazinho_11, wrote: “No Maduka Okoye is crazy. Why is Uzoho still getting called up? Ryan Alebiosu is a good addition. Solid championship defender. Excited to see what Akinsanmiro is going to do. Overall solid squad.”

Defensive Gaps and Captain’s Absence

The Super Eagles will also begin their campaign without the leadership of William Troost-Ekong, who recently announced his retirement from international football. The absence of the veteran defender, despite some dip in form after AFCON 2023, leaves a leadership vacuum in the squad. In addition, Benjamin Fredrick, a promising 20-year-old centre-back, will also miss the tournament due to a knee injury sustained while training with Belgian club Dender.

The exclusion of Ola Aina from the squad is another major concern. Aina is still recovering from a hamstring injury he picked up against South Africa in September, further depleting the Eagles’ defensive options.

A Shift Towards Youth

Coach Chelle’s squad features a blend of experienced players, such as Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi, alongside emerging talents. Chelle has handed AFCON debuts to nine players, including Muhammad Usman, Ryan Alebiosu, Igoh Ogbu, Amas Obasogie, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsamiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Cyriel Dessers, Akor Adams, and Salim Fago. The inclusion of Ryan Alebiosu, in particular, is a notable highlight, as he has yet to play a senior minute for Nigeria.

While the move towards younger players injects new energy into the team, it also raises concerns about cohesion and experience, particularly in a tournament as high-stakes as the AFCON.

Disruptions to Preparation

Another challenge for the Super Eagles is the recent FIFA directive, which now mandates that African players won’t be released to national teams until December 15. This has forced a delay in Nigeria’s preparations. The team was initially set to open camp in Cairo on December 10 for a friendly match against Egypt on December 14. Now, the camp opening has been delayed by four days, and the friendly has been moved to December 16.

These disruptions, combined with the uncertainty surrounding key player injuries and the financial difficulties faced by the coach (who is reportedly owed months of salary), are creating an uneasy atmosphere as the team prepares for the tournament.

Pressure and Expectations

The Super Eagles face immense pressure heading into the 2025 AFCON. After finishing as runners-up in the 2023 AFCON, and with a disappointing failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the expectations are high. This is Nigeria’s 22nd appearance at the continental showpiece, and anything less than a victory would likely be seen as a failure.

However, the mixture of experienced players and young debutants, alongside the disruption in their preparation, suggests that Nigeria may need more than just talent to capture the title. A well-coordinated campaign with solid team chemistry will be crucial, and much of this will depend on how quickly the new players adapt to the Super Eagles’ style.