From Moshood Olawale Karim
Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has expressed his disappointment with the exclusion of several local players from the provisional squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Head coach Jose Peseiro submitted a 41-man list for consideration, which included only three goalkeepers from the domestic league – Ojo Olorunleke, Amas Obasogie, and Christian Nwoke.
In an interview with Oma Sports, the former Manchester United forward argued that home-based players deserved more representation in the squad. He stated that at least five to seven players from the domestic league should have been included on the list to encourage and motivate them.
He also expressed concern that not inviting home-based players would undermine the growth and development of the league.
He said: “I don’t think it’s right not to invite home-based players, this is a 40-man list, at least five to seven players should be on the list to encourage them. Not inviting them means you don’t focus on the league,”
It remains to be seen if the three selected goalkeepers will make the final 27-man squad for the tournament.
In the 2021 AFCON hosted by Cameroon, only one home-based player, John Noble, was selected to represent the Super Eagles.
The exclusion of more local players from the provisional squad has raised questions about the team’s selection process and the role of domestic football in Nigeria’s football development.
