By Kunle Solaja.
It is 10 days to Nigeria’s first match at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. A fairly new starting XI could be in the offing as Nigeria’s squad announcement marks a decisive shift in philosophy.
It appears that Eric Chelle is building a new Super Eagles core, even if it means accelerated risk on the biggest stage. It is more like a post-World Cup elimination reset.
After failing to reach the 2026 World Cup, the Super Eagles were at a crossroads. Chelle’s decision to introduce five uncapped players signals a strategic reset rather than incremental tweaks. This is a coach willing to refresh the team’s identity — fast.
While Nigeria retains established stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, the squad features a growing midfield built around youth.
At the last AFCON, Jose Peseiro often struggled to transition from defence to attack; Chelle appears intent on solving that through younger, more press-resistant midfielders.
Players like Akinsanmiro and Nnadi offer both mobility and technical security — traits Nigeria has lacked consistently since the Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha and Mikel Obi eras.
Morocco 2025 appears signalling a new generation of fullbacks. Alebiosu’s inclusion highlights the need for modern fullbacks who can defend wide spaces and contribute creatively. With Ola Aina injured and ageing options thinning out, Nigeria is accelerating the grooming of long-term solutions.
Salim Fago Lawal is the clearest example. Though untested at senior level, his physicality and instinct make him an intriguing wildcard. Chelle is signalling that potential now carries as much weight as experience.
Nigeria’s recent AFCON failures often stemmed from a lack of fresh legs and tactical flexibility. With energetic new midfielders and a versatile young fullback, the team stands to gain pressing intensity, rotation options and tactical unpredictability
The selection sends a quiet but unmistakable message: No place is guaranteed. Even established forwards like Tolu Arokodare are dropped if form dips.
Short-Term Risk, Long-Term Reward
The gamble is real. Debutants at a major continental tournament may struggle with nerves or inconsistency. But if managed well, Nigeria could emerge from AFCON with a rejuvenated core. A settled identity and a foundation for the 2027 AFCON and 2030 World Cup cycle.
Chelle’s youth movement represents Nigeria’s boldest generational shift since the Class of 2013. Whether it sparks an immediate AFCON run or simply lays the groundwork for future success, the Super Eagles have clearly begun a new chapter.
MEET THE NEW SUPER EAGLES PLAYERS
Ryan Alebiosu (Right Back, Blackburn Rovers) – The Modern Fullback
A dynamic, attack-minded defender who came through Arsenal’s academy, Alebiosu offers pace, overlapping runs and smart ball recovery. With Ola Aina ruled out, he could step directly into the starting XI and give Nigeria width on the right flank.
FACT FILE:
Age: 22
- Background: Arsenal academy graduate, now flourishing in the Championship.
- Strengths: Pace, ball progression, recovery tackles.
- Possible Reason for Selection: Offers modern fullback qualities and can play both defensive and attacking roles.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Midfielder, Pisa) – The Deep-Lying Creator
A former Remo Stars prodigy with a refined passing range, Akinsanmiro is emerging as a conductor from midfield. Calm under pressure and tactically mature beyond his years, he is seen as a long-term solution in Nigeria’s build-up play.
FACT FILE:
- Age: 19
- Background: Former Remo Stars product who moved to Inter Milan before joining Pisa.
- Strengths: Sharp passing range, press resistance, tactical maturity.
- Possible Reason for Selection: Seen as a long-term creative midfield option with high development potential.
Tochukwu Nnadi (Midfielder, Zulte Waregem) – The Box-to-Box Engine
Fresh from an impressive transition to European football, Nnadi brings energy, pressing intensity and strong ball-winning skills. His athletic profile makes him ideal for Chelle’s high-tempo transitions.
FACT FILE:
- Age: 20
- Background: Ex-Flying Eagles midfielder who has adapted quickly to European football.
- Strengths: Ball-winning, tempo control, transitional intelligence.
- Possible Reason for Selection: Provides energy and balance in midfield; fits Chelle’s vertical style.
Usman Muhammed — Midfielder, Ironi Tiberias (Israel) – The Tactical Disruptor
Muhammed has made a quiet but steady rise in Israel. Disciplined, positionally sharp and hardworking, he is the type of midfielder who plugs gaps and stabilises the structure — invaluable in tournament football.
FACT FILE:
- Age: 31
- Background: Quiet but rapid rise in Israel’s top division.
- Strengths: Work rate, tackling, versatility in deeper roles.
- Possible Reason for Selection: Chelle was reportedly impressed by his discipline and positional understanding.
Salim Fago Lawal — Striker, Istra 1961 (Croatia) – The Wildcard Finisher
A powerful young striker with strong aerial ability, Lawal is direct, fearless and unpredictable. Still raw but full of upside, he adds a different flavour to Nigeria’s attack and may benefit from playing alongside elite finishers like Osimhen and Lookman.
- Age: 21
- Background: Former U-20 striker who has progressed quickly in Croatia.
- Strengths: Direct running, aerial presence, instinctive finishing.
- Possible Reason for Selection: A raw but explosive forward option; viewed as a high-upside project.
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