Chelle Summoned To Abuja As Nigeria Begins Urgent Team Reshuffle Ahead Of AFCON

Chelle Summoned To Abuja As Nigeria Begins Urgent Team Reshuffle Ahead Of AFCON 

By Admin 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has initiated plans to overhaul the Super Eagles squad ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with top officials insisting that only players with strong club form and commitment will be considered for selection, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

A senior NFF official, speaking on Thursday, stressed the need for urgent reforms following the team’s recent failures, including missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

 “There is an urgent need to reorganise the national team. We need younger and more committed players representing Nigeria,” the official said.

“We can no longer continue with players who struggle for game time at their clubs. Anyone playing for the Super Eagles must be active and consistent at club level.”

As part of the restructuring, head coach Eric Chelle is expected to arrive in Abuja for a decisive meeting ahead of the AFCON training camp, scheduled to open on December 10.

The push for early preparation echoes recent remarks by former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu, who urged the federation to act decisively after Nigeria’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup race. The Super Eagles were knocked out by DR Congo via a penalty shootout in the CAF play-offs, extending their absence from the global showpiece after also missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Shorunmu told Footy-Africa that the NFF must chart a new course for the team ahead of the next major continental challenge.

 “I hope the Nigerian Football Federation will think ahead and come up with a solid plan for the team, starting with the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said.

“What has happened is gone. Now we must focus on the way forward for Nigerian football.”

Nigeria will play all Group Stage matches of AFCON 2025 at the Fez Stadium in Morocco. The Super Eagles open their campaign against Tanzania on December 23 before facing Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30, as they seek a fourth continental title.