The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has been given a clear mandate to reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau made the disclosure during an interview on Eagles FM, where he spoke with former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami, stressing that expectations for the national team at the tournament are clear.
“The mandate the NFF has given the coach is to reach the final of the AFCON,” Gusau said. “We are going to reach the final in Morocco, by the grace of God.”
Chelle’s squad selection has generated widespread debate, particularly over goalkeeping choices and the omission of several established internationals.
The 28-man roster includes the return of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, while first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been listed despite battling ankle and hand injuries. Maduka Okoye, a regular at Udinese in Italy, has been left out.
Photo Credit: Imago
In attack, Paul Onuachu earns a recall following his goalscoring form for Turkish side Trabzonspor, a decision that has drawn positive reactions from sections of the football community.
However, several high-profile players have been dropped, including Kelechi Iheanacho, Umar Sadiq, Tolu Arokodare, Victor Boniface, Chrisantus Uche, and Alhassan Yusuf.
Chrisantus Uche celebrating his first goal for Crystal Palace. Photo Credit: Imago
New additions to the squad include defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Tochukwu Nnadi, and forward Salim Fago Lawal.
Gusau denies interference claims
Speaking on Eagles FM, Gusau firmly rejected claims that the NFF influenced player selection, insisting that Chelle had full control over squad decisions.
“I have never told any coach, for any of our national teams, any player that they should select,” the NFF president said during the interview with Odegbami.
Photo Credit: Imago
The federation and the coaching crew have come under scrutiny from fans and analysts, particularly over the exclusion of Maduka Okoye and the recall of Francis Uzoho and the inclusion Usman Muhammad, Salim Fago and Tochukwu Nnadi.
World Cup failure and leadership future
During the same interview, Gusau was questioned about the consequences of Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and whether it would affect his decision to seek a second term as NFF president.
“I have not made a decision yet,” he said. “When I have, I’ll let you know.”
NFF President Gusua, Chelle and NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Gusau was elected president of the Nigeria Football Federation in 2022, replacing long-term incumbent Amaju Pinnick, after securing 39 of the 41 votes cast at the election held in Benin City.
Infrastructure and funding concerns
The NFF president also raised concerns over infrastructure, claiming that the Super Eagles currently lack an adequate training facility in the nation’s capital.
“In the whole of Abuja, there is not one qualified training pitch for the Super Eagles to train on,” Gusau said.
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He further defended government involvement in the national team, describing it as unavoidable.
“The Super Eagles is a public team, a government team,” he added. “There is no government in the world that does not get involved in funding the national team.”
