The Nigeria Football Federation is expecting the Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, to reach at least the semi-final stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Reports from ScoreNigeria say Eric Chelle met the federation’s technical committee in Abuja on Monday, a session described as straightforward and focused on what the officials consider a realistic aim for the national side.

During the meeting, the Malian coach was reminded of the need to freshen the squad after the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He has been encouraged to bring in new players who can give the team fresh energy.

Eric Chelle is expected to publish a 28-man list for AFCON 2025 this week.

Naija News reports that Nigeria will compete in Group C with Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda. The Super Eagles begin their campaign on 23 December against Tanzania. The team finished second at the last tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.

In a separate development, the Confederation of African Football has completed a preparation course for match officials selected for the 2025 AFCON.

The programme took place in Cairo and brought together referees, assistant referees, VAR officials and both technical and physical instructors.

CAF explained that the purpose of the training was to ensure that all selected officials are fully ready before the competition gets underway.

The governing body last week confirmed the list of seventy-three officials chosen for AFCON 2025, made up of twenty-eight referees, thirty-one assistant referees and fourteen VAR specialists.

The 2025 AFCON will be hosted by Morocco from 21 December to 18 January.

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