The 2025 edition of the African Cup of Nations will commence in Morocco on the 21st of December, as 24 nations compete for Africa’s most prestigious trophy. Nigeria will be among the favourites, hoping to finally secure a long-awaited fourth crown.
However, the Super Eagles were dealt a major blow a few weeks to the tournament as exciting youngster Benjamin Fredrick picked up a knee injury that has ruled out his participation. On Tuesday, head coach Eric Chelle named a 54-man preliminary squad that will be reduced to a maximum of 28 players before the December 11 deadline.
Here are four players that could make the final list as potential replacements for the injured Benjamin Fredrick.
Chidozie Awaziem
Chidozie Awaziem is the most realistic replacement for the injured Benjamin Fredrick and is expected to make the 28-man squad to Morocco later this month. The Nantes defender has enjoyed a solid campaign since his return to Europe and is the only player on this list to have earned a recent call-up to the national team.
The 28-year-old is very experienced and was a key member of the Nigerian team that won bronze at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt. He also made the final squad for the 2021 and 2024 editions of the tournament.
Sam Sodje: Fredrick’s absence is a big blow for Nigeria’s AFCON dream
Ryan Alebiosu
England-born defender Ryan Alebiosu pledged his allegiance to Nigeria rather than the Three Lions and earned a maiden call-up to the national team following his inclusion in Eric Chelle’s 54-man provisional list.
The Blackburn Rovers defender has been in excellent form for the English Championship club and is among the leading names to make the final squad to represent the Super Eagles at the African Cup of Nations, particularly as a replacement for both the injured Benjamin Fredrick and Ola Aina, who could also miss the tournament.
Igoh Ogbu
Slavia Prague centre-back Igoh Ogbu is a like-for-like replacement for Fredrick and could also make the final 28-man squad to represent Nigeria at the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
The 25-year-old earned his first call-up in March and made his debut for the Super Eagles in May during the Unity Cup.
Ogbu is dominant in the air and composed on the ball, and he could be selected to partner other centre backs in the squad.
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Adeleke Adekunle
One of the few home-based players selected by head coach Eric Chelle, Adeleke Adekunle, is another potential centre-back that could replace the injured Benjamin Fredrick.
The Abia Warriors defender was overlooked for the African Nations Championships this year, but his strong performances in the NPFL has put him in contention to earn a spot in the final 28-man list to represent the Super Eagles at the tournament.
