AFCON 2025: 'Some players have no business in the team' - Former Super Eagles star tells Chelle

Former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze has criticised the 28-man squad selected by head coach Eric Chelle for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, describing several decisions as “questionable.”

The Super Eagles’ final roster, released on Thursday, consists of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and nine forwards. The announcement has generated heated reactions among fans and pundits due to unexpected exclusions and surprise call-ups.

Dropping Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who has been a consistent starter in Serie A, has been one of the biggest talking points. Also missing is Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare, whose club form had many expecting a place in Morocco.

Meanwhile, the return of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, who last featured for Nigeria over a year ago, has sparked debate. The same applies to the recall of Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu, whose international performances have been widely scrutinised.

Chelle also opted to introduce new faces to the team: Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Inter Milan, on loan at Pisa), Usman Muhammed (31, Israel second division), Tochukwu Nnadi (ex-Flying Eagles) and Lawal Fago (Croatia, ex-Flying Eagles).

The selection of Usman Muhammed, in particular, has raised eyebrows due to his age and the level of competition he plays in.

Speaking on Brila FM, Udeze openly expressed dissatisfaction with the list.

“For me, the Super Eagles final squad list is questionable because there are some players who have no business being in the team,” he said.

While affirming his support for the national team, the former West Brom defender insisted some decisions defy logic.

“The Super Eagles is my team and I will support them, but there’s something about this list. Why bring in a player who plays in the second division in Israel? It would have been better if that spot was given to a player from the NPFL,” he added.

Udeze also criticised the omission of Maduka Okoye, noting his consistent top-flight form.

He said, “Leaving Maduka Okoye out is questionable. I want to know why he was left out because he is a regular for Udinese, but we have goalkeepers from Cyprus and Tanzania who made the list.”

Despite the criticism, preparations for AFCON continue. Nigeria will play a high-profile friendly against Egypt on December 16 before settling into their base in Fès, Morocco.

They will then begin their Group C campaign against Tanzania on December 23, followed by matches with Tunisia (Dec 27) and Uganda (Dec 30).