Eric Chelle sends Super Eagles message to Marseille’s Nnadi, Lawal, Akinsanmiro

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has delivered a clear message to Nigeria’s fringe and emerging players following his squad selections for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Afrik-Foot reports.

In naming his 28-man roster for the tournament, Chelle included several young prospects as part of his long-term rebuilding plan. Among them were Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Salim Fargo Lawal and Tochukwu Nnadi, all aged 23 or under.

There was also room for Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, who was called up after injuries ruled out Ola Aina and Benjamin Frederick.

🇳🇬On a scale of 1-10, rate Ryan Alebiosu’s first 45 minutes as a Super Eagles player. pic.twitter.com/b62Xt7d0tY

— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) December 30, 2025

Two other less-established figures, Cyriel Dessers and Usman Mohammed, also earned places in the squad, signalling Chelle’s willingness to gradually refresh the team.

However, despite their inclusion, opportunities at the tournament itself proved limited. Only Nnadi, Alebiosu and Lawal managed a single appearance each, as Chelle largely leaned on his experienced regulars throughout the competition.

Chelle explains challenge of breaking into Super Eagles core

As the Super Eagles prepare to return to action in March, Chelle has now opened up on why new players have found it difficult to establish themselves in the senior national team.

The Franco-Malian coach insisted that maintaining a stable group of trusted performers remains at the heart of his project, nearly a year after taking charge.

Since his appointment, several emerging players have been tested within the squad, including Wolves star Tolu Arokodare and Crystal Palace ace Christantus Uche. Yet only Sevilla forward Jerome Akor has successfully cemented a regular starting role, a reflection, Chelle says, of both the quality already present and the demanding standards required.

“For the AFCON, we had a couple of young players who will benefit from the experience and be better for it in the future,” Chelle told RMC Sports.

“But it’s not easy to break into the team at the moment because we are building a core, and we cannot make too many changes.”

Chelle also stressed that adaptability is non-negotiable for newcomers, pointing to the tactical and physical intensity of his system.

He expects players to quickly grasp the team’s structure: from pressing organisation to positional discipline, and from defensive transitions to attacking movement.

Nigeria’s immediate focus now shifts to rebuilding momentum after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with their next competitive fixtures coming in September when the 2027 AFCON qualifiers begin.