AFCON
Five Debutants Lead Nigeria’s AFCON Squad as Chelle Launches Major Youth Rebuild
By Kunle Solaja.
Nigeria named five debutants in a revamped 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with coach Eric Chelle opting for a bold injection of youth and first-time internationals following last month’s painful World Cup elimination.
Right back Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, Usman Muhammed, and striker Salim Fago Lawal are all in line for their first-ever senior caps, marking one of Nigeria’s most dramatic squad overhauls in recent AFCON history.
While the squad retains star power through former African Footballer of the Year winners Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, it is the presence of the five newcomers that defines Chelle’s selection — a clear signal of renewal after the disappointment of missing the 2026 World Cup.
- Alebiosu, the 22-year-old Blackburn Rovers fullback, has impressed with his pace and defensive awareness.
- Akinsanmiro (Pisa) and Nnadi (Zulte Waregem) offer fresh midfield creativity and energy.
- Usman Muhammed has risen rapidly with the Israeli side Ironi Tiberias.
- Salim Fago Lawal, the Istra 1961 striker, is rewarded after a strong club season and is viewed as one of the most exciting young centre-forward prospects in Nigerian football.
These inclusions can be described as “hungry, dynamic players ready to fight for the shirt.”
Experience Still Anchors the Squad
However, experience is not a discarded element as the core Super Eagles squad is still anchored on the usual suspects.
Veteran striker Paul Onuachu returns after an 18-month absence, lifted by his outstanding 11-goal haul for Trabzonspor that has made him the current top scorer in Turkey.
Lookman, Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Calvin Bassey also provide a spine of experience around which the debutants can grow.
Fitness Gamble on Nwabali
However, Nigeria faces uncertainty in goal. First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is still battling both ankle and hand injuries and has not played since the World Cup playoff defeat. His club coach in South Africa expressed doubts at the weekend about his fitness for the tournament, but Chelle has included him alongside Amas Obasogie and Francis Uzoho.
Nigeria will be without Benjamin Fredericks and Ola Aina both nursing injuries. William Troost-Ekong, retired from international football after the World Cup playoff loss and Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare will be Super Eagles’ notable absentees.
Super Eagles are already at an advantage in Group C as they will play all their group matches in Fes.
Group C Fixtures
The Super Eagles begin their AFCON campaign:
- Dec 23: vs Tanzania (Fez)
- Dec 27: vs Tunisia (Fez)
- Dec 30: vs Uganda (Fez)
FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars), Francis Uzoho (Omonia Nicosia)
Defenders:
Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto)
Midfielders:
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias), Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Frank Onyeka (Brentford)
Forwards:
Akor Adams (Sevilla), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla), Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Moses Simon (Paris FC)
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has praised Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for what he described as a powerful gesture of unity and reconciliation following the royal pardon granted to Senegalese supporters convicted over offences linked to the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement released on Saturday, Motsepe expressed deep appreciation on behalf of CAF’s 54 member associations, hailing the Moroccan monarch’s decision as a demonstration of football’s ability to foster peace and solidarity across the continent.
“I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” Motsepe stated.
The CAF president said the pardon reflected Morocco’s enduring commitment to African unity and highlighted football’s growing role as a bridge between nations and cultures.
“CAF has consistently emphasised its commitment to utilise football to contribute to uniting our people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he said.
“The pardon by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide.”
Motsepe also revealed that during recent visits to both Morocco and Senegal, he had been struck by the deep historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries.
“I was amazed and impressed when I was briefed about the historic and extensive ties between the people of Senegal and Morocco,” he added.
The statement further reinforced Morocco’s rising influence within African football, especially after successfully hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading football destinations ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Motsepe also extended CAF’s best wishes to Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the continent’s teams would perform strongly on the global stage.
Among the African nations mentioned were Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
JOIN THE SPORTS VILLAGE SQUARE CHANNEL ON:
https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
By Kunle Solaja.
Former African champions Algeria and Zambia are set for an early showdown after the release of the Group I fixtures for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Algeria host Zambia on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, in what is expected to be one of the headline fixtures of the qualifying campaign, while Togo entertain Burundi in the group’s other opening tie.
The Desert Foxes are favourites to qualify, but Zambia’s growing consistency and Togo’s unpredictability could make the race highly competitive.
Algeria travel to Burundi on Matchday Two before facing Togo in back-to-back encounters across Matchdays Three and Four. Zambia also meet Burundi home and away during the same period.
The potentially decisive fixture comes on March 22, 2027, when Zambia host Algeria in a clash that could determine the final standings.
Group I Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Algeria vs Zambia
- Togo vs Burundi
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Zambia vs Togo
- Burundi vs Algeria
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Algeria vs Togo
- Zambia vs Burundi
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Togo vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Zambia
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Zambia vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Togo
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Togo vs Zambia
- Algeria vs Burundi
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
By Kunle Solaja.
African heavyweights Senegal will launch their quest for another Africa Cup of Nations appearance with a home clash against Mozambique in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Lions of Teranga, among the continent’s strongest teams in recent years, headline a group that also includes Sudan and Ethiopia.
Senegal host Mozambique on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, while Sudan tackle Ethiopia in the other opening encounter.
Senegal are strong favourites to dominate the group, but Sudan and Mozambique are expected to battle fiercely for qualification points.
The key fixtures may emerge in the double-header between Senegal and Sudan across Matchdays Three and Four, while Mozambique and Ethiopia also face each other home and away.
Senegal travel to Mozambique on Matchday Five before ending their campaign at home against Ethiopia on March 30, 2027.
Group J Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Senegal vs Mozambique
- Sudan vs Ethiopia
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Mozambique vs Sudan
- Ethiopia vs Senegal
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Senegal vs Sudan
- Mozambique vs Ethiopia
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Sudan vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Mozambique
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Mozambique vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Sudan
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Sudan vs Mozambique
- Senegal vs Ethiopia
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
World Cup 2026 Begins With History Repeating Itself
FIFA Unveils Spectacular New Pre-Match Ceremony for 2026 World Cup
FIFA World Cup 2026 Kicks Off With Mexico-South Africa Clash
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- World Cup1 week ago
Attack-minded Ivorians bullish ahead of World Cup return
- World Cup7 days ago
Rema, Davido, Burna Boy and Ayra Starr Make FIFA’s Star-Studded World Cup 2026 Official Album
- World Cup6 days ago
FIFA bans vuvuzelas from World Cup stadiums
- World Cup6 days ago
Shakira to Headline FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony in Mexico
- International Football4 days ago
Eriksen Suffers Fresh Collapse During Denmark Friendly, Reviving Memories of Euro 2020 Ordeal
- World Cup1 week ago
Behold! Nigeria’s Gift to the World Cup: 11 Stars, No Super Eagles
- World Cup4 days ago
Pelé’s 1970 World Cup Hideaway Becomes Tourist Attraction as Mexico Hosts Tournament for Record Third Time
- Uncategorized6 days ago
Iran World Cup squad still in visa limbo 10 days before first match, ambassador says