‘The team should not depends on Osimhen’ - Super Eagles legend claims every player called deserves a chance

As Nigeria prepares for its qualifying campaign, which begins in 10 days against Tanzania in Morocco, the team is aiming to secure a fourth continental title. 

Eric Chelle unveiled his final 23-man squad of players on Thursday for the AFCON competition starting next week.

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

Speaking about the team, Sodje believes the team deserves the right players who are playing well for their respective clubs.

Regarding team selection, Sodje stressed the need to reward in-form players and reduce the team's over-reliance on star striker Victor Osimhen.

"Anyone who is playing well at their club deserves a chance in the national team," he said. "We are also trying to ensure that our team is not a one-man team that depends solely on Victor Osimhen. 

“If someone can come in and share the goalscoring responsibility, I think it would be a great addition," Sodje explained in an interview with Footy Africa

Nigeria have been placed in Group C for the upcoming tournament in Morocco, which is scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Their opponents in the group will be Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.