The poor response by call-ups to the AFCON training camp must be concerning as only six players have so far reported to Abuja to further underline the Super Eagles chaotic build-up to the tournament.
The issue of the coach to lead the team to Cameroon was only sorted out late Wednesday by an official statement from the NFF which announced the Portuguese Jose Peseiro as the Super Eagles new coach but Austin Eguavoen will be the one in charge of the team at the AFCON.
Already Olympiacos forward Henry Onyekuru is a late replacement on the squad for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who has effectively been ruled out of the competition after he again contracted Coronavirus.
CSKA Moscow winger Chidera Ejuke, Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi and UD Almeria striker Sadiq Umar were the latest players to hit the Super Eagles hotel in Abuja.
They thus joined up with Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates), Taiwo Awoniyi (Union Berlin) and John Noble (Enyimba).
The camp opened on Wednesday.
Officials informed SCORENigeria that they expect most of the 28 players invited for the AFCON to join up after the New Year celebrations.
European clubs have agreed to release their players from Monday, January 3.
The Eagles are due to depart for Cameroon on January 5.