‘Leaving Okoye out is questionable’ - Ex-Super Eagles stars clash over Chelle’s AFCON squad selection

Chelle's roster, unveiled on Thursday, has prompted sharply contrasting reactions, with some calling for patience while others have openly questioned the coach's judgment and the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) direction.

The final list comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards. 

The inclusion of several uncapped or lesser-known players has raised eyebrows, particularly with more experienced European-based professionals being left out.

Former Super Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo has appealed for calm, insisting that the coach has a clear rationale for his choices. 

He suggested that factors like injuries, player fitness, and long-term strategy likely played a significant role in the selection process.

“Every good player that is not listed in the Super Eagles final squad for AFCON, I believe Eric Chelle knows why,” Ekpo told SportingLife. 

“For the injured players, I think the coach must have considered the timing of the Super Eagles' matches and their fitness dates, respectively.”

“The introduction of new players to the team is not a bad idea because these are the players that will form the bedrock of the Super Eagles later,” he added.

However, former national team defender Ifeanyi Udeze delivered a scathing critique of both Chelle and the NFF, labelling parts of the squad as “questionable.”

Speaking on Brila FM, Udeze said, “Why bring in a player that plays in the second division in Israel?”

“Leaving Maduka Okoye out is questionable… he is a regular for Udinese, but we have goalkeepers from Cyprus and Tanzania who made the list,” Udeze remarked.

The omission of Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare also fueled the controversy. “For me, the Super Eagles final squad list is questionable because there are some players I believe have nothing to do in the team,” he concluded. “But Super Eagles are my team and I will support them.”

The tournament, scheduled to be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will see Nigeria compete in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.