Former Nigeria International Victor Ikpeba has stated that it’s unfair that Coach Eric Chelle is getting criticized for neglecting home based players from his squad to the AFCON.
Ikpeba who is a member of the NFF Technical Committee argues that the snub shouldn’t matter as long as the best players were selected.
Commenting on the debate in the aftermath of Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, the Former Super Eagles forward said, ‘it’s unfair’.
‘It is unfair to criticize Chelle because what we need is our best players. My argument will be that as long as you select the best legs – local or foreign – it is fine.
Super Eagles Spots Not for Sale
He further slammed calls to create a quota for home based players in the Super Eagles.
‘The Super Eagles is not where you expose players; it is not what you do at that level. That stage is not for promoting players or handing free lunch. You have to earn it,’ Ikpeba concluded.
Home based Players deserve a shot
However, former Super Eagles forward Femi Opabunmi disagrees and insists the Coach can find quality players in the Nigerian leagues.
Opabunmi told Brila.net that Players in the local leagues deserves to be given a chance.
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‘Definitely they should be given a chance, and I’m sure the players will give their best.’
‘At this Nations Cup we saw players step up, so I don’t think it’s out of place to have handed two or three an invitation.’
Nigeria’s campaign at the 2025 AFCON ended with a third place finish, and the Super Eagles was one of few with an entirely foreign based squad.
