AFCON 2025: Stick With Current Squad — Utaka Urges Chelle

AFCON 2025: Stick With Current Squad — Utaka Urges Chelle

Sampson Adedeji

Former Super Eagles forward John Utaka has advised national team head coach Eric Chelle against making major changes to the current squad ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

Speaking to Brila FM, Utaka stressed that despite Nigeria’s disappointing exit from the World Cup qualifiers, the current group of players has developed strong chemistry that should not be disrupted.

“No, you don’t need to bring in new players. Most of the present boys understand what it means,” Utaka said.

“Bringing in new players should be for maybe next year’s Nations Cup.”

The former Montpellier striker emphasized that unity and familiarity within the squad are more important at this stage than experimenting with fresh faces.

 “You have to use your team because there is understanding between the players right now. I believe they know their errors and will try to amend things,” he added.

Utaka cautioned that introducing too many new players could create instability and slow adaptation.

“Bringing five to ten new players who are you going to replace? The players there are consistent and understand each other well. New players will need time to adapt and that can take a long time. There is also pressure and it might destabilize things.”

Nigeria will aim to bounce back from their recent disappointment when they compete for continental honours in Morocco next year.