BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - MAY 31: Eric Chelle, head coach of Nigeria, before the Unity Cup Final match between Jamaica and Nigeria at Gtech Community Stadium on May 31, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
Nigeria’s senior national team head coach Eric Chelle has offered insight into why he left several new players out of his squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025). According to OwnGoalNigeria.com, the lack of adequate training time was the primary reason behind the decision.
While Chelle included a number of young prospects in his preliminary list, sources indicate that only three new players made the final 28-man squad. The tournament is set to kick off in just 11 days, leaving minimal time for new recruits to adapt to Chelle’s tactical system.
A member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) technical committee explained that when they questioned Chelle about sticking with the majority of players who missed out on World Cup qualification, he cited the limited training sessions as a key factor.
“With CAF allowing clubs to hold on to their players for longer, we would have just three full training sessions before the tournament starts,” the source said.
Due to these constraints, Chelle prioritized players familiar with his demands and style of play. Although he could have added more new talent, the coach opted to settle for three young additions:
Ryan Alebiosu – Blackburn Rovers
Rafiu Durosinmi – Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic)
Ebenezer Akinsamiro – Pisa (Italian Serie A)
This approach ensures the squad has cohesion and understanding of tactical expectations, which is crucial for a tournament with a compressed schedule.
With the tournament just around the corner, Chelle’s strategy reflects a balance between experience and youth, aiming to maximize Nigeria’s chances while minimizing risks associated with integrating too many newcomers too quickly.
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