Release date for key Super Eagles stars for AFCON
Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 build-up has entered operational mode, with the Super Eagles scheduled to open camp on December 10 in Cairo.
However, staggered club release dates mean head coach Eric Sékou Chelle will not have a full squad immediately.
The NFF confirmed a 54-man provisional list featuring Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Stanley Nwabali and several NPFL standouts.
A final 28-man roster will be announced shortly, and selected players are expected to report to Egypt on day one.
Europe-based stars to arrive late
Preparations face headwinds due to competing fixtures across major leagues.
Ademola Lookman will join camp on December 15 after Atalanta’s match against Cagliari on December 13. His late arrival rules him out of the Egypt friendly scheduled for December 14.
Hull City are negotiating to keep Semi Ajayi until after their December 14 clash with Millwall, putting his arrival between December 15 and 16.
Nantes defender Chidozie Awaziem will play against Angers on December 12 before traveling immediately to Cairo, while Moses Simon will remain with Paris FC until December 14.
Premier League contingent also affected
Nigeria’s England-based stars will report late as well. Fulham trio Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Calvin Bassey are set to face Burnley on December 13.
Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare is committed for the Arsenal fixture that same weekend, and Brentford’s Frank Onyeka is expected to feature against Leeds on December 14.
With a fragmented early turnout, Chelle may rely heavily on NPFL players and early arrivals for the first phase of camp.
Countdown to AFCON 2025
Nigeria open their Group C campaign against Tanzania on December 23, before meeting Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30.
With World Cup qualification failure still raw, the Super Eagles enter Morocco under pressure to deliver a fourth continental title and reset national expectations.
