Nigeria: Victor Boniface talks AFCON 2025 call-up with Werder Bremen teammate Felix Agu

Nigeria international Felix Agu is expected to make the Super Eagles’ final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, despite concerns over his fitness following a long injury layoff, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 26-year-old fullback, who has been sidelined since early October with a syndesmosis ligament injury, is yet to return to full training at Werder Bremen. However, Agu is reportedly part of Eric Chelle’s definitive list for the tournament.

Agu’s inclusion surfaced in an informal exchange with teammate Victor Boniface during a conversation inside Bremen’s training facility.

Victor Boniface wishing his club mate, Felix Agu all the best at the AFCON. pic.twitter.com/pXwQJFnhcE

— @ (@OneJoblessBoy) December 10, 2025

Boniface, who made Nigeria’s provisional 54-man squad, appeared to confirm that he has been dropped from the final list, while congratulating Agu on his selection and telling him he would be ‘travelling next week' for the AFCON.

The development would likely raise a number of questions for Chelle to address, given Agu’s fitness issues and lack of recent match action.

Agu has missed seven Bundesliga matches and all six of Nigeria’s recent World Cup qualifying fixtures.

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Felix Agu: Eric Chelle makes a bold call on defensive options

Head coach Eric Chelle appears convinced that Agu will reach full match readiness before Nigeria’s opening game against Tanzania on December 23.

The defender has been working with medical experts at Werder Bremen as part of his recovery pathway but has not resumed team training.

Agu only received his FIFA clearance to switch allegiance from Germany to Nigeria in May and is yet to represent the Super Eagles at a major tournament.

When fit, he is widely regarded as one of the country’s most naturally gifted left backs and a capable option on the right.

However, selecting him ahead of fully fit alternatives, most notably Bruno Onyemaechi or Zaidu Sanusi, represents a calculated gamble.

Even with a complete medical clearance, a player returning from a high ankle sprain faces heightened risk of relapse when plunged into intense, top-level competition.

Chelle’s decision, though risky, may be influenced by Agu’s technical superiority and tactical versatility, attributes the Franco-Malian coach values highly. In a squad already hit by fitness concerns, he may be prioritising long-term upside over immediate match rhythm.

Beyond Agu, Club Brugge have confirmed Raphael Onyedika’s call-up, while Pisa manager Alberto Gilardino has hinted that teenage midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has also been selected.

Nigeria, drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania, are expected to announce the final 27-man list within hours.

With the tournament beginning on December 21 and expectations soaring at home, Chelle’s choices will quickly be tested under the unforgiving lights of AFCON football.