Eagles jostle for spots as Chelle prepares final AFCON squad

A file copy of Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle.

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The Nigeria Super Eagles are preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with head coach Eric Chelle expected to trim his 54-man provisional squad to a final 28-man selection.

The final squad will blend experienced internationals, returning players, and debutants, each competing to secure a place in the team ahead of the tournament’s December 21 opener.

Nigeria’s preparations have already been disrupted, with newly established star Benjamin Fredrick being ruled out due to injury, while captain William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football shortly after the provisional squad was released.

Chelle now faces the task of replenishing key positions while maintaining squad balance.

CAF regulations allow national teams to submit between 24 and 28 players for the tournament, with four optional inclusions. This framework ensures intense competition for the final roster, particularly for players seeking their maiden call-ups or returning from injury.

The coming days will serve as a rigorous test for Nigeria’s hopefuls, with only those demonstrating consistent quality, fitness, and tactical readiness likely to earn a place in the final squad.

In addition to the team that played the play-offs in November, PUNCH Sports Extra provides an in-depth analysis of seven of the most likely players who could feature for the Super Eagles in Morocco to make up the squad.

Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)

Aina has been a pivotal figure for Nigeria since making his debut in 2017, earning 48 caps. The Nottingham Forest full back has missed over 100 days due to a hamstring injury sustained in the World Cup match against South Africa in September, which saw him miss 24 club games and four international fixtures.

Despite being sidelined for club action until January, Chelle included Aina in the provisional squad, reflecting confidence in his recovery and readiness to lead Nigeria’s defence in Morocco.

Known for his pace, defensive intelligence, and ability to support attacks from the flanks, Aina’s inclusion provides both experience and tactical flexibility. The launch of his special sokito boots for AFCON further signals his commitment to a strong tournament performance despite being labelled unavailable by his club coach Sean Dyche.

Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, Turkey)

Paul Onuachu has rediscovered form following a challenging period at Southampton. The 30-year-old striker leads all Nigerian players in Europe’s top leagues this season with 11 goals in the Turkish Super Lig.

His performances have earned him the league’s October MVP award and multiple Goal of the Month honours.

Onuachu’s return offers Nigeria a physical presence in attack, complementing Victor Osimhen’s pace and mobility. His aerial dominance, scoring consistency, and ability to hold up play make him a key backup option, particularly as Nigeria seeks to diversify attacking threats in high-stakes fixtures.

Having last been called internationally in June 2024, his resurgence in Turkey makes his inclusion almost indispensable.

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa, Italy)

The 20-year-old midfielder has been one of Serie A’s standout young talents this season, earning praise for energy, composure, and creativity.

On loan from Inter Milan, Akinsanmiro has delivered strong performances for Pisa, including a Man of the Match display against Fiorentina and a key assist in a draw against AC Milan before being out injured.

Yesterday (Monday), he returned back to action against Parma, winning three of five duels, his single tackle and completing 28 out of 29 passes in 45 minutes.

Chelle has monitored Akinsanmiro closely, recognising his technical ability and ability to transition play quickly, qualities that could prove decisive against defensively compact opponents in Morocco.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy)

24-year-old Dele-Bashiru plays as a midfielder for Serie A club Lazio. After a hamstring injury sidelined him for 54 days earlier in the season, he has made six appearances, starting four, and averaging 42 minutes per game.

He maintains 92 per cent passing accuracy overall, 98 per cent in his own half, and 87 per cent in the opposition half.

Dele-Bashiru has also completed 0.3 long balls per game with 67 per cent accuracy and 0.2 accurate chip passes per game at 100 per cent efficiency.

His ability to maintain possession and distribute the ball efficiently could add tactical depth to Chelle’s midfield options, offering both defensive stability and attacking support.

Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

Tella has been gradually reintegrated into Leverkusen’s squad following a knee bruise that kept him out from mid-September to mid-November. This season, he has made six league appearances, starting three, and averaging 50 minutes per game.

Tella has delivered one assist, created one big chance, and averaged 1.0 key passes per game. He completes 0.7 successful dribbles per match and wins 3.2 duels on average, including 2.5 ground duels and 0.7 aerial duels.

His transitional play and versatility could provide Chelle with width and creativity in attack.

Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers, England)

Alebiosu, 23, is a right back who remains uncapped for Nigeria. This season he has played 18 matches, starting all, averaging 85 minutes per game, and accumulating 1,538 total minutes.

He has provided two assists and contributed six big chances, completing 81 per cent of his passes and 1.1 crosses per game.

Defensively, Alebiosu wins 3.8 duels per game and recovers possession 3.1 times on average. His ability to maintain defensive solidity while supporting attacks provides Chelle with an athletic and technically competent option at right back.

Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

Ogbu, who was previously called up for the 2025 Unity Cup, has been hindered by two hamstring injuries this season, missing 15 games during the second spell.

Since returning, he has appeared in six matches, starting five, and averages 54 minutes per game.

Ogbu recovers 3.7 balls per game, wins 4.3 duels (59 per cent success rate), and dominates aerially with a 70 per cent success rate.

He also averages 4.2 clearances per match and maintains 83per cent passing accuracy. His presence strengthens Nigeria’s defensive depth in the absence of Troost-Ekong and Fredrick and also offers Chelle a reliable, ball-playing centre-back option.

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