Uncertainty surrounds the delayed release of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations provisional squad list. According to the Daily Post Nigeria, this administrative delay explores a recurring pattern of last-minute planning, engaging fan frustration, and raising questions about competitive readiness as rival nations like South Africa announce their squads early.
Key Points:
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has delayed releasing its AFCON provisional list days after teasing an announcement.
South Africa has already published a preliminary 55-man squad ahead of the December deadline.
Football analyst Clinton McDubus criticized the delay as “typical” of Nigeria’s management style.
He predicts a rushed final selection will default to familiar names, excluding in-form players.
Striker Paul Onuachu’s recent form may not guarantee a spot due to competition from Akor Adams.
Midfielder Alhassan Yusuf is also speculated to be at risk of missing the final list.
The final 23-man squad must be submitted to CAF by December 11.
As other nations build momentum, this delay creates a storm of doubt, testing whether the Super Eagles’ foundation is being carefully laid or hastily assembled on shifting sand.
Sources: Complete Sports, Score Nigeria