Former Tremendous Eagles striker Julius Aghahowa has reacted to the discharge of Nigeria’s unusually giant 54-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, warning that whereas the lengthy record offers choices, it additionally highlights a worrying lack of time for correct preparation.
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Aghahowa, famend for his iconic objective celebrations and deadly ending in his enjoying days, stated coach Eric Chelle now has an enormous accountability to streamline the squad shortly and start targeted tactical work.
“A 54-man record offers choices, however we do not need sufficient time. The coach should know precisely what he must do,” he stated.
He burdened that AFCON is just not a match the place groups can afford late changes, stating that Nigeria has lower than three weeks earlier than the competitors kicks off on 21 December 2025.
“The timing could be very tight. Preparation ought to have began way back. Now each second is vital,” Aghahowa added.
Regardless of the issues, he believes Chelle needs to be given full backing to make daring selections, choose the very best gamers, and organise the staff with out disruption from exterior influences.
“The coach understands what’s required. He have to be supported fully , no distractions, no interference,” he emphasised.
The previous ahead stated the lengthy record, although uncommon, is just not essentially an issue if Chelle makes use of it to search out the suitable steadiness of kind, health, and expertise.
“It will possibly nonetheless work if it helps him select the strongest squad. However trimming should occur instantly. This isn’t the time for experiments,” he warned.
Aghahowa maintained that the Tremendous Eagles nonetheless have a robust probability to problem for the title in Morocco, however provided that the core squad is chosen shortly and given ample time to construct chemistry.
“Nigeria has the expertise. However expertise wants preparation. The staff should begin working collectively now,” he stated.
He concluded with a name for unity across the staff:
“This AFCON is vital for Nigeria. Everybody should assist the coach and the gamers. We should give them the setting to succeed.”
