AFCON 2025: Upgrading Super Eagles for Phase 2 of the Eric Chelle era

In the aftermath of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle has offered a glimpse into his thinking going forward, speaking candidly about the future of the team and the lessons drawn from a demanding spell in charge.

The Franco-Malian coach admitted that the tournament has clarified areas that require reinforcement, hinting at squad expansion if he remains in the role after the finals. “If God gives me the chance to be the coach after the AFCON, I’ll love to bring in more players for the team,” Chelle said.

His tenure has not been without disappointment. Under his watch, Nigeria fell short in the 2026 World Cup playoffs, losing on penalties to DR Congo, and also missed out on a place in the final of AFCON 2025, a target set by the NFF before the competition.

Yet Chelle’s Super Eagles have shown structure and competitiveness, and his comments suggest a coach already weighing what continuity, fresh legs and better margins might bring next.

In what areas do Super Eagles most need upgrades?

With the evidence of the AFCON 2025 now in the books, and based on the coach’s system and stated aim, here are four areas of the team that most need strengthening for the next phase of the Chelle era.

Goalkeeper

Stanley Nwabali was in solid form against Morocco, pulling off some good saves to take the host nation all the way to penalties. That said, based on the larger sample of the entire tournament, there is a case to be made that he could do with, at the very least, some competition.

The Super Eagles defence largely kept him promoted throughout, and he only conceded thrice, one of which was a penalty. That said, based on the cumulative quality of shots he did face, his performance was basically par. He saved what he should have, and was beaten by what he realistically could have been.

By no means is this a failing grade. However, considering that Senegal are in the final with a goalkeeper in Edouard Mendy who had the second-best goal prevention performance, it is clear that there is scope for improvement.

Right centre-back

Events over the last three weeks in Morocco have confirmed that Calvin Bassey has the left centre-back position on lock for the foreseeable future, and so conversation necessarily turns to his partner. 

Semi Ajayi, all things considered, had a good tournament, and this should not be taken as a dismissal of his efforts. That said, he clearly was not on the level of Bassey, and there is a question as to whether he even would have been a starter had injuries not intervened before the start of AFCON 2025.

His use of the ball came under significant,merciless scrutiny against Morocco. Given he has never been the most expansive, he typically keeps it simple. However, faced with the Atlas Lions, even that seemed challenging, as he gave the ball away twice in quick succession inside the opening 10 minutes, setting the tone for a difficult evening.

Left-back

When a player goes from substitute to first-choice during a tournament, it is a sign the original starter underwhelmed in an undeniable way. That was indeed the case with Zaidu Sanusi who, one match in, was displaced by Bruno Onyemaechi.

The Olympiakos man performed creditably in the role, and even posted an exemplary performance against the dangerous Brahim Diaz. Still, there is a reason he was not trusted from the off; his performances leading into the tournament were far from convincing. This is a sign that, over the course of AFCON 2025, he has played above his level. 

It is a player’s floor that is most instructive, however, so Chelle and his crew would do well to look into strengthening in this position.

Support striker

This is not going to be a popular one. Akor Adams has been a revelation at  AFCON 2025, combining an exemplary work ethic and selflessness with power to become an important foil for Victor Osimhen. Regardless, his limitations were on full display against Morocco, as he was found sorely wanting in the technical stakes.

Of course, perfection is not a reasonable expectation. For the previous matches in the tournament, he more than justified his spot, and that tells us that, against most standards of opponent, Adams remains an invaluable weapon. That said, we now know that, when facing truly elite sides boasting defenders who can match him physically, he can be made to look very one-note.

While the Sevilla man has cemented himself as a key member of the squad, the book is, by no means, closed on this position.