Good News for Super Eagles Ahead of AFCON 2025 As Serie A Coach Drops Update on Inter Milan Star
- A Serie A coach has confirmed the availability of a Super Eagles player ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
- The respective clubs are yet to release the players for the continental showpiece following a new directive from FIFA
- Nigerians are eagerly waiting for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle to announce his squad before the Thursday deadline
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle shocked the football community after releasing his 54-man provisional list ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco on December 2.
The list consists of six goalkeepers, 13 defenders, 12 midfielders, and 23 forwards, as Eric Chelle extended an invitation to five players from the Nigeria Premier Football League, and 14 new players were considered.
Source: Getty Images
Part of Chelle's meeting with the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation on December 1 wants to include younger players and build a team for the future after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The three-time AFCON winners fell to DR Congo 4-3 on penalties after playing out a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.
Semi Ajayi’s decisive kick was saved by goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu, before captain Chencel Mbaemba converted the winning spot-kick for the Leopards.
Gilardino confirms Akinsanmiro for AFCON
Pisa coach Alberto Gilardino has hinted that Ebenezer Akinsanmiro will be included in Nigeria’s final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
According to AllNigeria, Gilardino revealed that the 21-year-old will miss some crucial Serie A fixtures due to national team commitments.
The AC Milan legend noted that Akinsanmiro is likely to miss the match against Lecce on Friday, December 12. He said via FCInterNews:
“Akinsanmiro? After Lecce, he’ll miss several matches.”
The midfielder featured in Pisa’s 1-0 home defeat to Parma on Monday, December 9, replacing Marius Marin at the start of the second half, per Transfermarkt.
Source: Getty Images
Legit.ng compiled reactions that trailed the inclusion of Ebenezer Akinsanmiro in the 54-man provisional list for the AFCON 2025. Read them below:
@Arsenaljury said:
"We need an attacking midfielder to relieve Iwobi, not all these central midfielders and defensive midfielders wey we pack full team."
@this_Elra wrote:
"There’s something about this guy.
"I see greatness."
@qquietstorm042 added:
"The guy is good no cap, just think of Etebo in his prime but better technique and speed."
@Chuks_DNaijaGuy said:
"I just hope he grabs this opportunity with both hands.
"We tired of Iwobi kati kati flawed type of midfield playing style."
@NeyDozaa wrote:
"U guys should do me a favour pls shock us I don’t want to see same players pls get midfielders that can pass and turn we has be lacked that get someome as oshimen back up pls."
Chelle drops Boniface and Iheanacho
Legit.ng reported that Eric Chelle dropped Victor Boniface, Kelechi Iheanacho and some other big names from his final squad for AFCON 2025.
The manager appears to be going for players who will serve him over the regular popular names, with some new faces expected to be added to the squad.
Source: Legit.ng
