But for a short and chaotic build-up to the AFCON, Super Eagles caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen revealed he had penciled down as many as seven players from the NPFL to fight for squad places.
Among the players were Tope Olusesi (Enugu Rangers), Musa Abdulafeez (Kwara United) and Uche Unwuasonaya (Rivers United).
Eguavoen said he wanted the players from the domestic league to enjoy a decent chance in his team, but the new league season meant he could deny clubs their top stars and in the end not pick them for the AFCON.
However, the coach said the players would still get another chance to prove themselves in the national team.
Enyimba goalkeeper John Noble is the only player from the NPFL on the final squad to the AFCON.