Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) have been dealt a major blow, with seven players from the Super Eagles B provisional squad officially ruled out ahead of the tournament.

The CHAN tournament—reserved exclusively for players plying their trade in their home domestic leagues—has strict eligibility rules, and five of the affected Nigerian players have been rendered ineligible after sealing overseas transfers.

According to a statement from the team’s management, Abubakar Sadiq (Plateau United), Philip Adejo (Abia Warriors), Saviour Isaac (Rangers), Papa Daniels Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes), and Waliu Ojetoye (Ikorodu City) have all moved abroad, automatically disqualifying them from participating under CAF rules.

To add to the team’s woes, Rangers defender Ifeanyi Onyebuchi has been ruled out due to injury, while goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt of Sporting Lagos remains unavailable due to commitments with Nigeria’s U-20 national team.

This sudden depletion has left Head Coach Eric Chelle and his technical team scrambling for alternatives, though the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to confirm whether replacements will be named.

Nigeria, who were runners-up in the 2018 edition, had been hoping for a strong title push this time around. With the final squad announcement on the horizon, fans will be watching closely to see how the Super Eagles B regroup ahead of the continental showdown.