Nigeria national football team prepares dual squads for AFCON and Russia friendly

Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, is undergoing a period of rebuilding under head coach Éric Sékou Chelle. Former French international Didier Six has identified Nigeria as one of the top four African national teams, alongside Senegal, Morocco, and Egypt, noting the high level of talent and the ability of Nigerian players to compete in major European leagues.

In preparation for upcoming fixtures, Chelle is expected to announce two separate squads. One group, consisting of established senior players, will be utilized for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. A second squad, primarily composed of Under-23 players, is intended for an international friendly against Russia. This strategy aims to balance immediate competitive requirements with the long-term development of younger talent.