The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed December 11, 2025, as the deadline for all participating nations, including Nigeria, to submit their final 23-man squad lists for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The tournament runs from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.
CAF has communicated the directive to all qualified federations, stressing the importance of early compliance as preparations intensify for Africa’s biggest football event. For the Super Eagles, the deadline leaves head coach Eric Chelle and his technical team with a narrow window to make firm decisions, especially on players currently undergoing fitness checks or battling for form.
According to the circular issued to member associations, CAF made it clear that no changes will be permitted after the December 11 submission, except in cases of severe injury. Any injury-related replacement must be supported by comprehensive medical reports and approved by the AFCON Organising Commission.
The timeframe places added responsibility on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which is expected to announce a provisional squad in the coming days before trimming it to the final list. Nigeria, which last won the AFCON title in 2013, is targeting a fourth continental crown, and expectations remain high among supporters and stakeholders.
The confirmation of the squad deadline also allows domestic and foreign clubs to plan player release schedules accordingly, ensuring smoother coordination ahead of pre-tournament camps.
CAF is expected to unveil further operational details in the weeks ahead as Morocco continues large-scale preparations for what is projected to be one of the most keenly anticipated AFCON editions in recent memory.
Oluwayemi Omolagba