Nigeria kick off their AFCON 2025 campaign today with a Group C clash against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania, and all eyes are on Eric Chelle as he makes key decisions in his first tournament game in charge of the Super Eagles, Footynaija.com reports.
After months of scrutiny following the failed World Cup qualification bid, this opener carries extra weight for both the coach and the players.
The Super Eagles come into the competition with a strong squad on paper, yet the final selection reflects enforced changes rather than pure preference. Injuries and retirements have shaped Chelle’s options, especially in defence, where familiar faces are missing.
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Former captain William Troost Ekong has stepped away from international football, ending a long spell as Nigeria’s defensive leader. His exit removes experience and authority from the back line. More recently, Benjamin Fredrick, who Chelle relied on heavily during the World Cup playoffs, was ruled out of the tournament through injury.
The young defender had started a number of World Cup qualifiers and was seen as part of the coach’s short term plans. His absence explains why Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey are expected to form the central pairing today.
In goal, Stanley Nwabali remains the obvious first choice. The Chippa United goalkeeper has held the shirt since AFCON 2023 and has retained the new Super Eagles coach’s trust through competitive fixtures.
Based on current form, his only real competition could have been Maduka Okoye who, for reasons beyond logic, didn’t make the squad. With no fitness concerns after an earlier injury scare, the 30-year-old should get the starting nod.
At right back, Bright Osayi-Samuel looks set to begin the tournament. This is a big call for the Super Eagles coach in the absence of Ola Aina, who was the main competition in that role. Osayi-Samuel’s pace and energy offer balance on the flank. On the opposite side, Zaidu Sanusi is expected to start, providing width and recovery speed.
Midfield selection points to Wilfred Ndidi, the new Super Eagles captain after Ekong’s retirement. Eric Chelle handed him the armband, and his job will be to protect a reshaped defence and keep the team organised.
Next to him, Alex Iwobi is expected to handle ball progression and link play. This is a straightforward choice, as he’s been a consistent presence in that role for Nigeria.
Out wide, Fulham’s in-form Samuel Chukwueze and former African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, who is starting to rediscover his form under Atalanta’s new coach, remain Eric Chelle’s likely picks. Paris FC winger Moses Simon offers a solid alternative, but the coach looks set to stick with the pace and goal threat of this duo to stretch Tanzania’s defence.
Up front, Victor Osimhen is expected to lead the line. The Galatasaray striker will likely partner Sevilla’s Akor Adams, whose physical presence and hold-up play fit well with Eric Chelle’s preferred setup.
This is Eric Chelle’s first real test, managing life after Troost Ekong, backing Wilfred Ndidi as captain, and adjusting the backline with no option of Benjamin Fredrick.
Up against a Tanzanian side likely to sit deep and stay compact, Chelle’s calls won’t just affect the scoreline, they’ll set the tone for his entire AFCON campaign. The whistle will tell us a lot, but this game is where we start to see what kind of tournament Nigeria might have under him.
