Nigeria, Dec. 6 -- With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations set to roar into life later this month in Morocco, the battle for national pride has already begun; not on the pitch, but on the squad sheets.

Every participating nation has announced its provisional list, and as expected, Nigeria's 54-man roster under head coach Eric Chelle has already become the first arena of debate.

Chelle's selection blends seasoned regulars with intriguing newcomers, but as with any provisional squad, the real contest lies in the imminent cut to 28 players. Some names are untouchable. Others are fighting for survival; up against form, fitness, tactical suitability, and the coach's internal hierarchy of trust.

International football is rarely a meritocracy. Co...