Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has submitted a 55-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a wide pool intended to build depth ahead of the tournament starting December 21.

The expanded list represents Chelle’s first major move since taking charge and signals a focus on identifying tactical options and psychological resilience after Nigeria missed out on a World Cup berth. Sources say the training camp will open in Morocco on December 8, with the squad to be trimmed to around 24–27 players in line with Nigeria Football Federation and CAF regulations.

Most names on the list are familiar faces who have worked with Chelle, but the preliminary group includes several lesser-known players who have been under long-term observation and could be future national-team prospects.

Chelle’s priority is clear: strengthen squad depth, test tactical flexibility and prepare a unit capable of improving on last year’s near-miss when Nigeria finished runners-up in Côte d’Ivoire. The coach has repeatedly stressed that the large preliminary list is designed to unearth options and foster competition for places as Nigeria targets continental success.