In the anticipation of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, led by coach Jose Peseiro, approaches a crucial phase. With just one month remaining until the tournament kicks off in Ivory Coast, Coach Peseiro is on the brink of finalizing a provisional list of 55 players, due for submission to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) by December 13.
The ultimate challenge lies in narrowing down this extensive list to a final squad of 27 players, a task expected to be completed by January 3, ten days before the championship’s commencement. An essential milestone on December 17, dictated by FIFA, requires countries to promptly invite clubs whose players are slated for AFCON participation. The adherence to this directive is vital, as clubs retain the authority to prevent a player’s involvement if invitations are not timely.
While some coaches may have their core squad established by December 17, uncertainties persist for Coach Peseiro. The selection of goalkeepers for AFCON remains unclear, and certain key players, including Kelechi Iheanacho, are contending with injuries that demand careful monitoring.
Following these evaluations, the unofficial 27-player roster will undergo technical scrutiny before its formal disclosure and submission to CAF ahead of the January 3 deadline. The Super Eagles, eyeing a fourth AFCON title, find themselves placed in Group A alongside hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
IMAGE: All Sports
