Sports analyst questions integrity of selection as Nigeria unveils 28-man list for AFCON 2025

Sports analyst Olawale Adigun has sharply criticised the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, following the inclusion of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho in Nigeria’s 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Chelle on Thursday announced a star-studded squad led by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and other established names, as Nigeria gears up for its Group C opener in 10 days.

The squad features the return of Cyprus-based goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, preferred ahead of Maduka Okoye, along with defender Igoh Ogbu and striker Paul Onuachu.

Several new faces also earned their first call-ups, including England-based defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, and forward Salim Fago Lawal from Croatia.

Nigeria will sharpen its preparations with a high-profile friendly against Egypt at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday, December 16, before heading to Fès, its base for the tournament.

The Super Eagles open their AFCON campaign against Tanzania on December 23, followed by matches against Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30.

Reacting to the squad announcement, Adigun expressed anger and disappointment over Uzoho’s selection, accusing both the coach and football authorities of lacking integrity.

“Francis Uzoho's inclusion in the Super Eagles AFCON squad is proof that the Nigerian football system is corrupt. There's no reason why he should be in that team. And please don't absolve Eric Chelle, he's also part of this crime!” he declared.

Uzoho has faced criticism from fans and analysts for inconsistent performances in recent years, raising questions about whether his selection was based on merit.