AFCON 2025: Chelle Under Pressure As Super Eagles Given Dec. 11 Deadline For Squad Submission

AFCON 2025: Chelle Under Pressure As Super Eagles Given Dec. 11 Deadline For Squad Submission 

By Niyi Busari 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed December 11, 2025, as the final date for all participating nations—including Nigeria—to submit their definitive 23-man squads for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

CAF has formally communicated the deadline to all qualified federations, emphasizing the need for early compliance as teams prepare for Africa’s flagship football tournament. For the Super Eagles, the directive leaves head coach Eric Chelle and the technical crew with only a brief window to finalize their selections, particularly regarding players whose fitness or form remains under assessment.

In the circular issued to member associations, CAF reiterated that no alterations to the final squad will be accepted after the December 11 deadline, except in cases of serious injury. Any request for replacement must be accompanied by detailed medical documentation and approved by the AFCON Organising Commission.

The timeline adds pressure on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which is expected to release its provisional squad shortly before trimming it down to the final 23. With Nigeria aiming for a fourth continental crown having last lifted the trophy in 2013 expectations remain high as preparations intensify.

The confirmation of the squad deadline also gives domestic and international clubs clarity on player release plans, allowing teams and federations to coordinate logistics ahead of pre-tournament camps.

CAF is anticipated to unveil additional organisational and operational details in the coming weeks as Morocco continues its extensive preparations for what is projected to be one of the most anticipated AFCON editions in recent history.