Ex-Super Eagles Star Criticises Eric Chelle Over 54-Man Provisional Squad for AFCON 2025

Former Super Eagles striker Abubakar Balarabe has condemned coach Eric Chelle for inviting 54 players to camp ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, describing the list as unnecessary and wasteful. With CAF’s deadline only six days away, Balarabe argued that Chelle already knows his final squad and should have limited the provisional list to about 30 players. Sports journalist Clement Oloruntoba also insisted that Chelle must win AFCON 2025 to redeem himself after Nigeria missed out on the 2026 World Cup. The Super Eagles, drawn in Group C with Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, are targeting their fourth continental title as preparations intensify.