WITH just days left for Nigeria to announce its final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, head coach Eric Chelle faces some of the toughest selection decisions of his tenure.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the Super Eagles are currently in camp as 54 players ranging from seasoned internationals to exciting newcomers fight for a place in the final 28-man AFCON roster.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) allows countries to name between 24 and 28 players for the tournament, a window that has intensified competition across all departments, especially after several unexpected disruptions to Nigeria’s preparations.
One of Nigeria’s brightest young defenders, Benjamin Fredrick, has already been ruled out with injury, while team captain William Troost-Ekong stunned many by announcing his retirement from international football shortly after the provisional list was unveiled.
The twin setbacks have forced Chelle to reassess his defensive options as he seeks to build a stable spine ahead of Nigeria’s opening match on December 21 in Morocco.
A blend of returning stars, long-absent internationals, and AFCON hopefuls are now jostling to convince Chelle they deserve a seat on the flight to North Africa. Only players showing top-level fitness, form and tactical adaptability are expected to make the cut.
Below are seven standout players closely monitored by the coaching crew and strongly positioned to make the final squad:
Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
The ever-reliable full-back remains a crucial figure for Nigeria despite enduring more than 100 days on the sidelines with a hamstring injury suffered during the World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
Though ruled out of club football until January, Chelle still named him in the provisional squad an indication of the defender’s importance and the coach’s confidence that he can recover in time.
Aina’s experience, pace, and ability to transition quickly from defence to attack make him indispensable. His AFCON-themed sokito boots launch further signals his readiness to lead from the back.
Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey)
Few Nigerian forwards in Europe are enjoying better form than Onuachu, who has rediscovered his scoring touch with 11 league goals in Turkey this season.
The towering striker has won the October MVP award and multiple Goal of the Month honours. His resurgence makes him a vital backup or even partner to Victor Osimhen, offering Nigeria a powerful aerial presence and hold-up option in tight matches.
After last featuring for the Eagles in June 2024, his return now looks almost inevitable.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, Italy)
At just 20, Akinsanmiro has earned rave reviews in Serie A for his maturity, technical quality, and ability to dictate play. On loan from Inter Milan, he has produced standout performances, including a Man of the Match outing against Fiorentina.
After recently returning from injury, he impressed again against Parma with near-perfect passing accuracy and strong duels. Chelle views him as a modern midfielder capable of breaking lines and transitioning play an asset against strong AFCON opponents.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)
The dynamic 24-year-old midfielder continues to gain momentum after recovering from a lengthy hamstring layoff. For Lazio, he boasts an impressive passing accuracy 98% in his own half and 87% in the opposition half and offers both defensive solidity and attacking progression.
His clean distribution, press-resistance, and capacity to link play could give Chelle the midfield balance he seeks in Morocco.
Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)
Back from a knee injury, Tella is gradually regaining fitness under Xabi Alonso. With six appearances so far, he has contributed an assist, created big chances, and averaged over one key pass per game.
His speed, dribbling ability, and tactical versatility make him a strong candidate for the wings, especially in transition-heavy games where Nigeria can exploit spaces behind defences.
Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Uncapped but highly rated, Alebiosu has played every league match for Blackburn this season. With strong defensive numbers 3.8 duels won per game, 3.1 recoveries and two assists, he presents a youthful, aggressive option at right back.
His balanced style fits Chelle’s preference for full-backs who can defend smartly while contributing to attacking phases.
Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)
Despite injury setbacks earlier in the campaign, Ogbu has regained rhythm and brings aerial dominance and composure on the ball. He wins 70% of aerial duels and consistently records high passing accuracy.
Given Troost-Ekong’s retirement and Fredrick’s injury, Ogbu’s availability boosts Nigeria’s central defensive depth.
Chelle is expected to announce Nigeria’s final squad after the last phase of assessments in training. With competition intensifying and several positions still up for grabs, the next few days will determine which players survive the final cut and which hopefuls fall short.
The Super Eagles are seeking to win their first AFCON title since 2013, and Chelle’s selection decisions could define Nigeria’s campaign in Morocco.