The head coach Eric Chelle has named a 55-man provisional roster for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, as announced on Tuesday.
Among the names on the list are captain William Troost‑Ekong, star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, and regular midfielders like Wilfred Ndidi. Also included is goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
The final squad trimmed down to 28 players will be announced in the coming days. The Eagles are scheduled to assemble in Egypt for an initial training camp beginning December 10, ahead of a couple of friendly matches before the tournament kicks off.
Editorial
When a national coach publishes a 55-man short-list, it rarely feels like caution more like a statement. Nigeria National Football Federation’s gamble with a broad, inclusive roster under Eric Chelle reflects ambition wrapped in prudent realism. The questions now: which names will surge forward, who will fall by the wayside and can balance survive expectation?
The inclusion of stalwarts such as Osimhen, Ndidi and Iwobi provides a spine of experience, but the real intrigue lies in the peripheries: emerging forwards, rarely capped midfielders, defenders plying their trade abroad, and a handful of home-based prospects. That mix could either inject long-needed energy or breed instability. The risk is clear in the fevered pressure of AFCON, 55 might as well be 25 if morale fractures.
Yet, there’s wisdom in depth. Injuries, form dips, the brutal rhythm of African tournaments demand options. For Chelle, this is not about sentiment it is about contingency. As much as football is poetry, tournaments are endurance tests they punish arrogance, reward preparation. A broad roster doesn’t guarantee success, but it safeguards hope.
If the final 28 features a well-balanced blend experience and youth, flair and discipline Nigeria may yet forge a squad capable of wrestling the hunt for honours away from expectant rivals. Because in Africa, talent is abundant what wins tournaments is judgment.
Did You Know?
- This 55-man provisional list is the largest the Super Eagles have named ahead of an AFCON in over a decade signalling a broad-spectrum search for depth.
- Among those named are several players currently plying their trade in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), giving domestic stars a rare shot at continental duty.
- The mix of European-based stars and home-based talents reflects a growing trend of valuing local-league form perhaps a hedge against the risk of overseas players lacking match rhythm.
- The inclusion of multiple goalkeepers (six in total) underlines a cautious approach: history shows Nigeria has faced goalkeeping crises just before major tournaments.
- The training camp in Egypt echoes a growing pattern among African nations pre-AFCON selecting neutral or nearby countries for preparations to avoid distractions and adapt to climate or pitch conditions.
