Delay in Super Eagles’ AFCON squad announcement sparks criticism as tournament nears.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have come under scrutiny over the delayed release of their provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with less than three weeks remaining before the tournament’s opening on 21 December.
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The team’s official X account had promised an imminent announcement on 25 November, posting: “Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations preliminary squad announcement coming up.”
However, no squad list has been published, raising concerns over preparation as rival nations finalise their teams.
South Africa and Egypt have already unveiled their squads, with the former trimming theirs to the final selection.
Nigeria is set to play a pre-tournament friendly against Egypt on 14 December with players drawn from the finalised squads.
Reports indicate that head coach Eric Chelle submitted a 55-man provisional squad to the Nigeria Football Federation, which will eventually be reduced to 23 players in line with revised Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations.
CAF will only cover expenses for 23 players, while federations must fund any additional selections.
The Super Eagles’ training camp is scheduled to open on 8 December, ahead of planned warm-up matches.
Football analyst and podcaster Clinton McDubus voiced concern over the delay, saying: “Delays like this are unfortunately typical of the way we manage our football. Considering the time left until the tournament begins, it is completely unnecessary and just adds to uncertainty around the team. Coach Chelle may default to familiar names, leaving out players who deserve consideration.”
McDubus also suggested that despite Paul Onuachu’s strong club form, the striker might miss out on the squad with the emergence of Akor Adams.
Fans have expressed frustration online, highlighting the potential impact on team cohesion.
Sports journalist Blessing Andrew tweeted: “AFCON is less than three weeks away, camp is supposed to start on 10 December, yet no squad, no plan.
CAF expects the final 23-man list by 11 December — Nigeria is still dragging its feet.” Another fan, Ibukun (@IBKPress), added: “Without early squad announcements, it’s hard to build cohesion.
Last-minute chaos rarely wins tournaments.”
The Super Eagles are drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.
Their campaign begins against Tanzania on 23 December at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, with a key clash against Tunisia scheduled for 27 December in Fès.
Group C’s final round will be played simultaneously on 31 December, with Nigeria facing Uganda while Tunisia meets Tanzania in Rabat.
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Runners-up at the last AFCON, losing 2-1 to Ivory Coast, Nigeria is chasing a fourth continental title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
