CHAN 2025: Eric Chelle welcomes NPFL topscorer as Super Eagles camp swells in Ikenne

Nigeria's home-based Super Eagles received a significant boost on Tuesday as five more players joined their training camp in Ikenne, taking the total number of players to 26 ahead of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in East Africa, Soccernet.ng reports.

Among the latest arrivals is Nigerian top-flight golden boot winner, Anas Yusuf, who scored 18 goals last season for Nasarawa United. He is joined by Musa Zayad (El-Kanemi Warriors), Aminu Adam (Kano Pillars), Godwin Obaje (Rivers United), and Kabiru Mohammed (Kwara United).

Team media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed the arrivals and noted that all 26 players participated in Tuesday evening’s training session, held at the Remo Stars Sports Institute and overseen by head coach Eric Chelle.

Eric Chelle takes charge of the CHAN Eagles as they prepare for the CHAN tournament this August pic.twitter.com/oqxbmDnATx

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) July 8, 2025

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The camp, which opened on Monday with an initial list of 21 players, now includes some of the most in-form talents from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), as the team intensifies preparations for the continental tournament that exclusively features players active in their domestic leagues.

Chelle’s selections so far reflect his intent to assemble a balanced and competitive squad capable of making a strong impact at CHAN 2025. The tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Morocco, kicks off on August 2, with Nigeria scheduled to face Senegal in their opener on August 5.

Drawn into Group D alongside Congo, Sudan, and reigning champions Senegal, Nigeria face a tricky path. However, the optimism around the camp is rising. Chelle has stressed the importance of early tactical grounding and cohesion, especially with the aim of bettering Nigeria’s 2018 CHAN runners-up finish.

All smiles at the CHAN Eagles (Super Eagles B) training this morning.

Eric Chelle had his second training with the home based stars in Ikenne today.#CHAN2024 #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/VcFR0jgSHp

— @rajimuzamil (@MuzamilRaji) July 8, 2025

Earlier in the week, the camp welcomed players from top NPFL clubs, including Remo Stars, Rivers United, Enyimba, Plateau United, Kwara United, and Ikorodu City. Names like Sikiru Alimi, Atule Joseph, Nduka Junior, and Lawal Mustapha headline a promising roster already buzzing with energy and competition.

The inclusion of Yusuf and other top performers is part of a wider plan to cast the net far and wide before the squad is trimmed. The presence of strong competition across every position is viewed as a strategic advantage, helping to raise the overall standard and intensity of training sessions.

With further friendly matches expected to be announced, the focus now shifts to fitness, chemistry, and fine-tuning the game plan. Expectations are building that this home-based Super Eagles side, led by a tactically astute Chelle, could mount a serious challenge for the CHAN title.