Sam Sodje questions Eric Chelle 54 man Nigeria provisional list

Former Nigerian senior men’s national team international Sam Sodje questioned the decision of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to invite 54 players for camp ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Sodje made this known after Chelle unveiled his provisional squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

Speaking with Brila FM, Sodje faulted Chelle’s decision to invite 54 players given the short time frame for training and final selection.

Nigeria is due to open training camp in Egyp

“I don’t really understand the reason for the list, it’s confusing you call some regular players and new ones but I don’t understand the reason for the 54 man list.

Why are you doing that? We have to be positive to see how we can go.”

Nigeria is due to open their training camp in Egypt on December 10, where they are expected to play warm-up matches before the competition begins on December 21.

The three-time AFCON champions will face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania in Group C as they look to mount a strong challenge in Morocco.

Nigeria’s preliminary squad for AFCON 2025

Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye, Amas Obasogie, Francis Uzoho, Ebenezer Harcourt, Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye.

Defenders: Felix Agu, Zaidu Sanusi, William Troost-Ekong, Ajayi Oluwasemilogo, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adeleke Adenkunle, Emmanuel Michael.

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru.

Attackers: Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Adams Akor, Chidera Ejuke, Olakunle Olusegun, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Abdulrraheed Shehu, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Philip Otele, Ikwuemesi Chukwubuikem, Salim Fago.