The Nigeria Super Eagles are diligently preparing for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, with the tournament set to commence on Sunday, December 21. Head coach Eric Chelle has announced a comprehensive 55-man provisional squad, which is mandated to be streamlined to a final 28 players by Thursday, December 11. This extensive list, released by the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) Director of Communication, Dr. Ademola Olajiri, features a blend of established European-based professionals and promising domestic talents.

Key players anchoring the provisional squad include Captain William Ekong (Al-Kholood), prolific striker Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC), influential midfielder Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC), and dependable goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United). Other prominent international players listed are Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC), defenders Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), and Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto), alongside midfielders Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC), Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC), and Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge). Forwards such as Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC), Simon Moses (Paris FC), and Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC) are also included, highlighting the team's attacking depth.

The selection process has been notably complex, particularly concerning Nigerian defender Olaoluwa Aina. Despite his inclusion in the provisional AFCON squad, Aina has been sidelined since September with a hamstring injury sustained during international duty. Nottingham Forest head coach Sean Dyche confirmed that Aina would not feature for his club until the new year and furthermore "tactically ruled out" his participation in the forthcoming AFCON. This presents a unique situation as Aina has also taken a creative leap, collaborating with sustainable football brand Sokito to produce his first-ever custom eco-friendly football boots, the 'Mr Lulu' edition. These boots, inspired by Nigerian culture and Aina's personal nickname, feature a distinctive light green colourway with hand-drawn elements, a custom 'Mr Lulu' logo, and a gold-trimmed outline of the African continent, which he intends to debut at the tournament, underscoring his personal commitment despite his injury status.

Addressing the Super Eagles' long-standing challenge of midfield creativity, Nigerian international Usman Mohammed has emerged as a potential solution. The 29-year-old, currently excelling with Ironi Tiberias in Israel's Ligat Ha’al, has attracted the attention of national team handlers due to his exceptional vision, precise ball distribution, and ability to dictate the pace of play. Mohammed, a veteran of the Super Eagles B and U-23 national teams under Samson Siasia, is expected to provide much-needed balance, maturity, and a creative spark to the predominantly youthful Super Eagles squad, particularly in supplying quality service to top attackers like Victor Osimhen.

Another fresh face on the provisional roster is Blackburn Rovers right-back Ryan Alebiosu. The 23-year-old defender, known for his impressive performances in the Championship, has been touted as a strong contender for a starting role, especially given Ola Aina's injury and Benjamin Fredrick's long-term absence. Alebiosu, who developed in Arsenal's youth ranks and has played professionally in England, Scotland, and Belgium, is highly versatile, capable of playing both right-back and right-midfielder. His speed and technical prowess make him a valuable asset, and he is eagerly looking to secure a spot in the final 28-man squad for AFCON 2025.

The provisional squad also includes five players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL): goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos), defender Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors), and attackers Abdulrasheed Shehu (Niger Tornadoes), Ekeson Okorie (Nasarawa United), and Chisom Orji (Warri Wolves). Their inclusion prompted former Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo to urge NPFL players to adopt a stronger competitive mindset when called to the national team. Omeruo criticized the mentality of some local league players, stating they often "just come to complete the team" rather than actively vying for starting positions. He highlighted that only one of the five NPFL players was part of the previous CHAN squad and stressed the need for domestic talent to consistently demonstrate elite-level readiness, particularly as Nigeria is drawn in a challenging Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.

To fine-tune their preparations, the Super Eagles will establish a pre-tournament training camp in Cairo, Egypt. The team is scheduled to depart for Cairo on Wednesday, December 10, to settle into camp and commence their final phase of training. As part of their build-up, Nigeria, a three-time African champion, will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in a prestigious international friendly match on Sunday, December 14, at the Cairo International Stadium. The NFF has also indicated that additional tune-up matches are being arranged against other top-tier African or Middle Eastern opposition to ensure the squad reaches peak form before the tournament begins.

Beyond the immediate focus on AFCON, the Embassy of France in Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to youth football development. Following the U15 Football Tournament in Makurdi, organized in collaboration with the Moses Simon Foundation and the Benue State Football Association, the French Embassy in Abuja hosted players from Simoiben FC. During their visit, officials including Katty Regis from the Cooperation department, emphasized the critical importance of discipline, focus, and dedication for young athletes aspiring to professional careers. The embassy reiterated its belief in the transformative power of sports to open doors, build confidence, and create opportunities, underscoring its broader support for youth development, education, and social inclusion in Nigeria.

With their comprehensive preparations, strategic blend of experienced and emerging talents, and a strong ambition to claim a fourth continental title, the Super Eagles are poised to make a significant statement at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.