Super Eagles Tipped as AFCON 2025 Title Contenders by Legendary Coach Claude Le Roy

The anticipation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is already building, and the Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a major endorsement as potential champions! Veteran French coach, Claude Le Roy, has placed Nigeria among the frontrunners to lift the coveted trophy in Morocco.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are no strangers to AFCON glory. As three-time winners of the prestigious tournament, the West African giants have consistently proven themselves as one of Africa’s football powerhouses. Their last triumph came in 2013, but they came agonizingly close to adding a fourth title in 2024, finishing as runners-up to hosts Ivory Coast in a gripping 2-1 final.

Claude Le Roy’s Backing for Nigeria

Claude Le Roy, an experienced tactician with deep knowledge of African football, believes Nigeria has what it takes to challenge for the AFCON title once again. Le Roy, who famously led Cameroon to victory in the 1988 edition of the tournament, listed the Super Eagles alongside other formidable teams in contention for the title.

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“Senegal, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Algeria—Egypt is always a formidable opponent in this competition,” Le Roy stated in an interview with LeSitelnfo.

The Super Eagles have been drawn into Group D, where they will face Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. While Nigeria is considered the favorite, the tournament has shown time and again that surprises are inevitable. Head coach Eric Chelle and his squad will need to be at their best to navigate the group stage and advance toward their championship aspirations.

Can Nigeria Win AFCON 2025?

With a squad brimming with talent—including stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Wilfred Ndidi—the Super Eagles have every reason to be optimistic. Their blend of youthful exuberance and experienced leadership makes them a formidable force in African football.

However, competition will be fierce, with reigning champions Ivory Coast eager to defend their title and other powerhouses like Senegal and Egypt vying for supremacy. Nigeria must bring their A-game to clinch the trophy and etch their name in history once again.

As the countdown to AFCON 2025 begins, Nigerian football fans have every reason to be excited. With the backing of a seasoned coach like Claude Le Roy and a squad packed with world-class talent, the Super Eagles are undoubtedly one of the teams to watch. Will they soar to victory in Morocco? Only time will tell!

Stay tuned to Nollywood Spotlight for more updates on AFCON 2025, Nigerian football news, and exclusive insights!

Chuba Akpom Reiterates Desire to Play for Nigeria – Will the Super Eagles Finally Answer His Call?

Ajax striker Chuba Akpom has once again expressed his unwavering desire to don the green and white jersey of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The 29-year-old London-born forward, who has Nigerian roots, remains hopeful of receiving a call-up despite years of waiting.

Chuba Akpom, a product of Arsenal’s prestigious academy, made headlines in 2019 when he officially switched his international allegiance from England to Nigeria. While he once represented England at youth levels, his heart has always been set on playing for the three-time African champions.

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Speaking to Oma Sports, the former Middlesbrough goal machine emphasized his commitment:

“I try to give 100%. I’ve been waiting since 2019. I’ve switched allegiances a long time ago but if it happens, it happens. I’ll just keep working hard.”

Despite his patience and perseverance, Akpom has yet to receive an invitation to join the national squad. With Nigeria constantly searching for firepower upfront, many fans are wondering—why hasn’t he been given a chance?

The Motivation Behind His Switch

Clearing up misconceptions, Akpom explained that players of Nigerian descent who initially represent England often do so due to early exposure to the English football system rather than a lack of interest in Nigeria:

“It’s not that the players are switching over because they can’t play for England, it’s just that they’ve not had the opportunity to play for Nigeria from a young age. They play in England and they play for England from youth levels all the way up.”

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His statement reflects a broader trend among dual-nationality players, many of whom have later chosen Nigeria, including Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Fikayo Tomori (who eventually opted for England at the senior level).

Akpom’s recent form at Ajax should put him firmly on Nigeria’s radar. The forward has shown his versatility and goal-scoring prowess in the Dutch league, and his experience playing in top European competitions could be a valuable asset to the Super Eagles.

With the upcoming international fixtures and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria needs attacking reinforcements. Akpom’s hunger and determination could bring fresh energy to the squad.

The ball is now in Super Eagles’ head coach Eric Chelle’s court. Will he finally extend an invitation to Akpom? Nigerian fans are calling for the Ajax forward to be given a fair opportunity to prove himself on the big stage.

Do you think Chuba Akpom deserves a call-up? Join the conversation in the comments below and share your thoughts!

For more exclusive updates on Nigerian football and Nollywood’s biggest stories, keep visiting Nollywood Spotlight. Don’t forget to subscribe and follow us on social media for real-time news and discussions!

Leon Balogun: Ready for a Super Eagles Comeback?

In a surprising revelation that has reignited excitement among football fans, Rangers defender Leon Balogun has confirmed he remains available to play for the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles. This news is sure to spark renewed debate about the role the 36-year-old could play as Nigeria prepares for crucial fixtures on the road to global football glory.

Balogun, who last donned the Super Eagles jersey in June 2022 during a resounding 10-0 victory against São Tomé and Príncipe in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, has been out of the national team spotlight due to fitness concerns. However, his recent performances for Rangers have reminded fans and critics alike of his defensive prowess.

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Speaking to Brila FM, Balogun shed light on his absence:

“It’s not that I’ve not accepted an invitation. Unfortunately, right before the World Cup break, I suffered an injury that was supposed to last a few weeks but didn’t go the way it was supposed to. I just couldn’t come; I was not fit yet, and after I got fit, then I relapsed. But since then, I haven’t had a lengthy injury spell.”

Balogun made it clear that he never retired from international football and remains committed to representing Nigeria. His 46 caps for the Super Eagles, coupled with his wealth of experience playing in top leagues like the Premier League and Scottish Premiership, make him a valuable asset for the team.

Image: Coach José Peseiro (Manager for Nigeria)

With younger players stepping up in recent matches, the potential return of Balogun presents an interesting prospect for Coach José Peseiro. His leadership, experience, and ability to organize the backline could provide the much-needed balance to the Super Eagles defense.

Football analysts have speculated on whether Balogun’s current form with Rangers could earn him a recall to the national team. His resilience and determination to overcome injuries have not gone unnoticed, making him a strong candidate for future invitations.

The announcement has sparked reactions across social media, with many fans expressing excitement about the possibility of seeing Balogun back in action for Nigeria. Some have called for his immediate inclusion in upcoming qualifiers, while others see this as a chance to blend his experience with the young talents emerging in the squad.

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Balogun’s potential return comes at a critical time for Nigerian football as the team aims to solidify its defense and regain dominance in African and international competitions. His willingness to contribute underscores the importance of blending youth with experience to achieve success.

Will Leon Balogun’s comeback become a game-changer for the Super Eagles? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the veteran defender’s unwavering commitment to the green and white jersey is a testament to his love for the game.

For the latest updates on Super Eagles players, match previews, and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to Nollywood Spotlight. Don’t miss out—bookmark our page and share this post with fellow fans to keep the conversation alive!

Eric Chelle Takes the Helm as Super Eagles Coach: A New Era for Nigerian Football

The winds of change are blowing through Nigerian football, as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles. The Malian tactician brings with him a wealth of experience, both as a former player and as a seasoned manager, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting chapter in the Super Eagles’ story.

Chelle, 47, will earn a monthly stipend of $50,000 (approximately ₦38 million at an exchange rate of ₦760 to $1), while his assistants are set to receive $5,000 each (approximately ₦3.8 million). His two-year contract with the NFF is expected to be finalized this weekend when he arrives in Abuja. With his impressive resume and a clear mandate from the NFF, Chelle's tenure could mark a significant turning point for Nigerian football.

Image: Daniel Ogunmodede with his Manager of the month award in 2023 

The new Super Eagles head coach will not be working alone. Local coaching talents, Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, are expected to join the technical crew. Their inclusion reflects the NFF's commitment to blending international expertise with homegrown skills, a strategy aimed at injecting fresh energy into the national team setup.

Image: Fidelis Ilechukwu

Chelle’s first challenge comes in the form of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled to take place from "February 1 to February 28, 2025." Nigeria will return to this prestigious competition after a six-year absence, following a hard-fought 3-1 aggregate victory over Ghana in the qualifiers. CHAN 2024, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, provides an early opportunity for Chelle to showcase his tactical prowess.

Image: NFF president Ibrahim Gusau

Speaking on the dual role of the Super Eagles coach, NFF president Ibrahim Gusau explained,

“We have come out with the policy that whoever we employ as the Super Eagles coach will also be the one to manage the affairs of the CHAN Eagles. We want players from the domestic league to be injected into the Super Eagles.”

Chelle’s appointment comes on the back of his impressive coaching credentials. He previously guided Mali to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where his team narrowly lost 2-1 to the eventual champions in extra time. Additionally, his managerial experience spans stints at GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne, and MC Oran.

As a player, Chelle had a distinguished career, representing clubs like Valenciennes, Lens, and Chamois Niortais. His deep understanding of the game from both player and managerial perspectives positions him well to tackle the challenges ahead.

Chelle’s primary task will be to lead Nigeria to success in CHAN 2024 and to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. The Super Eagles are eager to bounce back after a disappointing run in the qualifiers under previous coach Austine Eguavoen, who stepped in following Finidi George's resignation.

The CHAN 2024 draw is set to take place at the International Convention Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, next Wednesday, January 10, 2025. This marks the beginning of a critical journey for Chelle and the Super Eagles as they aim to reestablish themselves as a force in African football.

As Eric Chelle prepares to embark on his Nigerian journey, expectations are high. Fans and stakeholders alike are eager to see if the Malian strategist can unlock the full potential of the Super Eagles, blending domestic talent with international experience to bring glory back to Nigeria.

Will Chelle rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Nigerian football is entering an exciting new era.