Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Technical Committee is scheduled to meet with Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle to discuss the final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The committee aims to ensure that only the most deserving players make the final cut, focusing on talent, commitment, and readiness for the continental tournament. A top NFF official told SCORENigeria:
“There is an urgent need to reorganise the national team we need younger and more committed players to be playing for Nigeria.”
Coach Chelle, who has been under scrutiny after mixed results in recent qualifiers and friendlies, is expected to present his proposed squad for the committee’s review. The meeting signals the NFF’s determination to strike a balance between experienced campaigners and emerging talents for the AFCON campaign.
Editorial
The NFF Technical Committee’s decision to meet Coach Chelle reflects both urgency and prudence. Nigeria’s rich footballing heritage demands nothing less than a carefully balanced squad, capable of blending youth, vigor, and seasoned experience.
AFCON 2025 is not just a tournament it is a litmus test for the Super Eagles’ identity. The call for “younger and more committed players” underscores a broader theme in Nigerian football: the constant tension between established stars and emerging prospects.
Chelle’s challenge is clear. He must navigate politics, pressure, and public expectations while assembling a team capable of competing at the highest level. Success depends not only on talent but also on cohesion, discipline, and the strategic foresight of both the coach and the committee.
Nigeria’s fans, meanwhile, should take hope from this proactive approach. The committee is not merely reviewing names it is asserting a vision for the national team, one that could define the Super Eagles’ trajectory for years to come.
Did You Know?
- Éric Chelle was appointed Super Eagles head coach in January 2025, succeeding interim coach Manu Garba.
- The 2025 AFCON will be hosted by Ivory Coast, marking their second time hosting the tournament.
- The NFF Technical Committee is tasked with evaluating squad selection, coaching strategy, and youth integration for all national teams.
- Historically, the Super Eagles have won three Africa Cup of Nations titles — in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
- Recent qualifiers highlighted Nigeria’s need for youth infusion, as several veteran players showed signs of declining international form.
