CAF increases AFCON squad ahead Eagles’ preliminary list

The Confederation of African Football has approved a revised squad regulation that will shape how national teams — including Nigeria — approach the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, The PUNCH reports.

Under the new rule, teams may now register up to 27 players for major tournaments. However, CAF will only take responsibility for the expenses of 23 players, covering travel, accommodation and competition logistics, while the additional four players will be funded by their respective federations.

CAF says the adjustment will enable coaches to better deal with injuries, suspensions and tactical demands in what is expected to be a congested tournament calendar.

Ahead of the 2025 AFCON, scheduled for December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026 in Morocco, the Nigeria Football Federation is expected to release a provisional squad in the coming days.

The Super Eagles’ official X handle also teased the announcement on Tuesday, posting: “Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations preliminary squad announcement coming up.”

According to reports, head coach Eric Chelle has already submitted a 55-man preliminary squad to the NFF.

The list will eventually be trimmed, with several new faces expected to earn invitations to the team’s pre-AFCON training camp.

The Eagles’ camp is scheduled to open on Monday, December 8, with plans for a number of warm-up friendlies before the team departs for the tournament.

South Africa became the latest nation to release their provisional list, naming a 54-man squad on Monday.

Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.

The Super Eagles begin their campaign on December 23, 2025, against Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fès in Fès, while Tunisia face Uganda the same day at the Stade Annexe of Prince Moulay in Rabat.

The biggest game in the group comes on December 27, when Nigeria take on Tunisia in Fès, as Uganda and Tanzania square off in Rabat.

The final round of Group C matches will be played simultaneously on December 31, with Uganda facing Nigeria in Fès and Tunisia meeting Tanzania in Rabat.

Nigeria, runners-up at the last AFCON after losing 2–1 to hosts Ivory Coast, are seeking a fourth continental title. The Super Eagles previously won the competition in 1980, 1994 and 2013.