Nigeria coach Eric Chelle names 55-man provisional squad for AFCON 2025

Head of Nigeria Eric Chelle has submitted a 55-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, marking the Super Eagles first major step towards next month’s continental showpiece.

The 35^th edition of the continental showpiece has been scheduled to take place in Morocco between December 2025 and January 2026, with 24 countries set to battle it out for the covetous trophy.

The expanded list comes as the Confederation of African Football (CAF’s) new squad regulations are set to influence final team selections.

Nigeria will open camp in Morocco on December 8, with Chelle expected to prune down the squad to between 24 and 27 players.

The tournament begins on December 21 and ends on January 18, 2026. While most names are familiar faces from Chelle’s tenure, a few relatively unknown players have been included after being quietly monitored for months and seen as long-term prospects.

Chelle, still focused on improving Nigeria’s runner-up finish at the last AFCON, has stressed the importance of depth, versatility and psychological resilience.

CAF’s new rule now allows teams to register up to 27 players, though only 23 will be fully funded. Federations must cover costs for any additional four players. The adjustment aims to help coaches handle injuries and tactical demands while balancing financial realities. With Nigeria seeking its first title since 2013, attention is firmly on Chelle’s final squad choices.