Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has blasted the recently released 54-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, describing the list as unnecessary, disorganised, and poorly timed, especially with Nigerians still reeling from the shock of missing the 2026 World Cup.
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Sodje questioned the reasoning behind inviting such a large pool of players barely weeks before AFCON kicks off on 21 December 2025, arguing that it reflects confusion rather than strategy.
“A 54-man list at this stage makes no sense. It looks chaotic. It shows we are not serious,” he said.
The former West Bromwich Albion defender was particularly critical of the decision to include injured players, including striker Victor Boniface, who is yet to regain full fitness.
“Why are injured players on the list? If they can’t play, why call them? It’s confusing and unnecessary,” Sodje questioned.
He added that many names on the list appear to have been selected without clear purpose, warning that such disorganisation sends the wrong message to fans still upset about Nigeria’s World Cup failure.
“People are still hurt by missing the World Cup. This is not the time for confusion. Nigerians want clarity, not another messy situation,” he stressed.
Sodje argued that a provisional list should be trimmed, focused, and based on merit, not a scattergun approach that invites nearly every available player.
“A national team is not a trial camp. At this point, you should know your squad. Fifty-four players? It’s too much,” he said.
He warned that such poor planning could affect Nigeria’s morale heading into Morocco, stressing that winning AFCON requires discipline and clear direction from the outset.
“AFCON needs preparation, not panic. This type of list shows a lack of organisation, and it worries me,” Sodje added.
However, he urged Nigerians to stay supportive, saying the team still has a chance to compete well if the right decisions are made quickly.
“We must get serious. Trim the squad, focus on the right players, and prepare properly. That is what Nigerians want to see,” he concluded.
