FIFA Sets December 15 Deadline for AFCON 2025 Player Releases, Nigeria Names Provisional Squad
FIFA has established a mandatory release date of December 15, 2025, for players participating in the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. This announcement comes amid potential conflicts with European club schedules, as confirmed by renowned transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.
The governing body has reduced the traditional release window by seven days to minimize disruptions to European competitions. FIFA will serve as a mediator should any disputes arise between clubs and national teams regarding player releases.
The tournament, Morocco’s 35th AFCON finals, will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. In preparation, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled an expansive 55-player provisional roster, which will eventually be trimmed to 28 members.
The preliminary squad features a mix of established international stars and domestic talent. Captain William Ekong leads the selection, alongside Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Key players such as Maduka Okoye, Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, and Raphael Onyedika have also made the list. The attacking contingent includes Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, and Chidera Ejuke.
Notably, the squad also includes several Nigeria Premier Football League representatives: Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ebenezer Harcourt, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, and Adekunle Adeleke.
The Super Eagles’ preparation schedule includes a training camp in Egypt, beginning December 10, where they will participate in several friendly matches before the tournament. Nigeria has been placed in Group C, where they will compete against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda in their quest for continental glory.
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