Nigeria to make major AFCON changes with four new faces in final squad

The pressure is mounting as Nigeria coach Eric Chelle prepares to name his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations this week, with significant changes expected from the initial 54-man provisional list.

FIFA’s decision to reduce the official preparation period to barely a week has forced a strategic rethink for many nations. Despite the tight timeline, a source close to the team confirmed that Chelle plans to freshen his squad with ‘four, five new players’ ahead of the tournament in Morocco.

Key defensive absences have opened the door for new faces. With captain William Troost-Ekong out and Benjamin Fredrick injured, Slavia Prague’s Igoh Ogbu is a strong contender to bolster the central defence. At right-back, where Ola Aina is injured and Bright Osayi-Samuel is short on match fitness, Ryan Alebiosu of Blackburn Rovers is poised for a potential call-up. Alebiosu is an Arsenal academy graduate enjoying an impressive Championship season.

In attack, the spotlight is on Paul Onuachu. The Trabzonspor striker, who is the current top scorer in the Turkish Süper Lig with 11 goals, is expected to earn a major recall. With Victor Osimhen shouldering the primary scoring burden, Onuachu’s towering presence and red-hot club form present a compelling case for his inclusion as a potent alternative.

The refresh is set to extend to midfield, where Ebenezer Akinsanmiro could receive his first senior call-up. The 21-year-old Inter Milan loanee has been a standout performer for Pisa in Serie A, impressing with his defensive work and composure. He would provide youthful energy alongside established names like Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, representing part of the squad’s rebuild following the failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

With the deadline for final squad submissions on Thursday, Eric Chelle’s selections will reveal his strategy for balancing experience with a new generation of talent as Nigeria chases a fourth AFCON title.

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