Former Super Eagles midfielder, Nosa Igiebor has weighed in on the debate surrounding the exclusion of NPFL players from Nigeria’s squad for the just-concluded AFCON.
His comments come in response to recent remarks by NFF Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, who expressed regret over head coach Eric Chelle’s decision not to include any home-based players in the AFCON squad.
What Eguavoen said
“I felt disappointed that we did not include some NPFL players in the AFCON squad. Some players in the team may not even get a minute of action, so why couldn’t we include a few from the local league? At least three or four would have been better.”
However, Igiebor believes Chelle’s decision should be respected, insisting that the current Super Eagles squad is loaded with quality and depth, making it difficult for domestic-based players to displace any of the selected stars.
Speaking to Brila.net, the former Nigerian midfielder stated:
“The coach believes in the team, in the players. It’s simple. When Nigeria won the AFCON in 2013, Stephen Keshi of blessed memory went to the Nigerian league to get a few players. But this particular squad has too many quality and talented players.”
Igiebor further explained that player selection ultimately comes down to the coach’s belief and familiarity with the players:
“I also think these things come with belief. If the coach doesn’t believe in them, he doesn’t that’s just the truth. Stephen Keshi was based in Nigeria, so it was easy for him to study the league and watch games closely.”
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Chelle not based in Nigeria
“Eric is not based here that’s my opinion, I don’t want to put words in his mouth. The day I sat down with him, we didn’t talk about this issue, but I asked him if he believes in the players he has, and he said he believes so much in them.”
The NPFL is currently ranked 91st in the world.
