Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle was on media duties on Monday, on the eve of his team's last group match  of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and has provided a fitness update on goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and midfielder Frank Onyeka. 

The Chippa United captain played through the pain barrier during Nigeria's 3-2 win over Tunisia, while Onyeka made way for Moses Simon with eleven minutes remaining on the clock.

Nwabali appeared to twist awkwardly while attempting to prevent Tunisia's first goal, raising concerns about his knee, while Onyeka was later seen hobbling.

With Nigeria topping the table on six points and qualification for the round of 16 already secured, attention has shifted to the possibility of Chelle rotating his side for the match against the Cranes.

When asked to provide an update on Nwabali and Onyeka, and whether he would rotate his squad on Tuesday, Chelle told reporters at the pre-match press conference.: "He (Nwabali) has a slight pain in his knee, and Frank has an issue with his ankle. 

"We will manage the situation for the team. I have to think about the team as a whole, and we still have one final training session today."

Chelle also hinted at changes to his starting lineup, stressing that fitness concerns would require careful management of the squad and could influence his final selection.

"The most important thing is our state of mind going into this game. It will be a surprise for you to see the starting eleven tomorrow, but at this moment, I cannot say anything."

Of the 28 players named in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations squad, 10 have yet to see action, namely Francis Uzoho, Igoh Ogbu, Cyriel Dessers, Muhammed Usman, Amas Obasogie, Raphael Onyedika, Salim Fago Lawal, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Ryan Alebiosu and Tochukwu Nnadi.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel