Former Enyimba International defender Ogbonnaya Okemmiri has expressed disappointment over the Super Eagles squad selection for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
He insisted that the players chosen did not represent the true quality available in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Reacting to the team’s poor outing, Okemmiri claimed that the failure was largely due to an improper selection process.
“For me, that was not the best we have in the country,” Okemmiri said. “There are players who should have been in that team but were left out.
“I have played in the league, I have followed the league, and I know there are players who re good enough to compete internationally.
“The right way is to select the best from each team, just like it was done in our time with the Super Eagles B.”
He argued that the technical handlers overlooked some of the league’s best talents, who had proven themselves throughout the season.
“How many Rivers United players made that list? The central defender at Abia Warriors, who played almost every game and showed maturity and calmness, deserved a place,” he added.
The former defender also criticized the appointment of Malian coach Eric Chelle to handle the CHAN team, stating that he is not familiar with NPFL players.
According to him, Chelle should have concentrated on the senior Super Eagles, while the assistants who qualified the CHAN team should have been allowed to lead the side.
Okemmiri stressed that Nigeria must adopt a transparent and merit-based selection process if the country is to compete successfully at future editions of CHAN.
Nigeria exited the tournament at the group stage, finishing third behind Sudan and defending champions Senegal, despite recording a 2-0 victory over Congo.
