Zambia head coach Moses Sichone cannot sit on the bench as he lacks the necessary Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifications, according to reports.
Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) officials hope to solve the problem by changing the title of the former international to assistant coach as he meets the eligibility conditions for that role.
Zambia are in Group A with title favourites Morocco, Comoros and Mali.
Nigeria have announced that Türkiye-based midfielder Wilfred Ndidi will captain the team in succession to William Troost-Ekong, who recently announced his retirement from international football.
Nigeria launch their Group C campaign against Tanzania in Fes, then face Tunisia and Uganda in the same city.
