National Teams
NFF welcomes Chelle to Abuja for high-level overhaul talks ahead of AFCON 2025
By Dayo Awoniyi
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has begun a sweeping restructuring of the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with officials insisting that only in-form and fully committed players will be considered for selection.
A senior NFF official confirmed that the federation is taking decisive action following a string of disappointing results, including Nigeria’s failure to qualify for 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.”
As part of the overhaul, head coach Eric Chelle has been summoned to Abuja for a high-level meeting ahead of the team’s AFCON training camp, which opens on December 10. The talks are expected to define the strategic direction of the squad as Nigeria seeks a fresh start.
The move aligns with recent sentiments from former Super Eagles goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu, who urged the federation to take swift, decisive steps after Nigeria’s elimination from the World Cup playoffs.
The Super Eagles were knocked out by DR Congo on penalties, extending their absence from the global tournament after also missing Qatar 2022.
Shorunmu called for immediate recalibration, saying, “What has happened is gone. Now we must focus on the way forward for Nigerian football.”
Nigeria will play their AFCON 2025 group-stage matches at the Fez Stadium in Morocco, opening against Tanzania on December 23, before facing Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30, as they pursue a fourth continental title.
