AFCON 2025: Chelle Grapples with Player Selection Dilemma After Troost-Ekong's Surprising Retirement

Table of Contents

• Squad Submission Deadline
• Troost-Ekong's Retirement
• Reactions from Pundits
• Centre-Back Concerns
• New Faces for AFCON

The head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has until December 10 to submit his final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Interestingly, Chelle only submitted his 50-man provisional squad this week.

By the time he revealed that list, most countries had already submitted their final squads to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

On Thursday, the captain of the Nigerian national team, William Troost-Ekong, announced his retirement from international football.

Troost-Ekong was included in Chelle’s provisional squad.

“I find the timing quite unusual, but overall I am not opposed to it,” stated Solace Chukwu, author of the forthcoming book ‘Elusive: How Enyimba Ended Nigeria’s 39-year Wait for Champions League Glory,’ in an interview with DAILY POST.

“Ekong has been on a decline since his standout performances at the last AFCON, and as it stands, he is Nigeria’s fourth-choice centre-back.

“Given this situation, it’s not entirely surprising that he would choose to step away.”

Troost-Ekong’s retirement has sparked various discussions among pundits and fans.

Was he concerned about his position on the team? Did it relate to the protest he led prior to the 2026 World Cup playoff against Gabon?

“That’s definitely a part of it,” Chukwu concurred.

“It’s human nature to respond to a protest by identifying leaders or scapegoats, and the recent sit-in has seemingly made Ekong quite unpopular within the NFF.

“That’s a challenging position to be in, especially as the captain, and it could have distracted the team during the tournament.”

Chelle now faces the challenge of having two of his trusted centre-backs unavailable for the AFCON. Benjamin Fredericks, who has been impressive in recent matches, has been sidelined due to injury.

“This will certainly be a significant headache for Eric Chelle,” Chukwu remarked.

“It’s further complicated by the fact that Ola Aina has yet to return to full training and is likely to miss out as well.

“This raises many questions regarding the right side. It appears that Semi Ajayi will partner Calvin Bassey at centre-back, while Zaidu Sanusi will take the position at left-back.

“The right-back position, however, is still open. Bright Osayi-Samuel is the most likely candidate, but keep an eye on newcomer Ryan Alebiosu, who is highly regarded.”

These absences will also create opportunities for some new players to participate in the tournament.

“I believe all the expected names will make the final cut.

“In terms of new additions, aside from Alebiosu, players like Rafiu Durosinmi, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Tom Dele-Bashiru have a good chance of making the final squad,” Chukwu added.