'You don’t use the national team to develop' - Eguavoen questioned over inclusion of home-based players in AFCON squad

A fresh debate has emerged within Nigerian football following comments by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director Austin Eguavoen, who expressed disappointment over the absence of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) players in the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Eguavoen stated that he had expected at least a few home-based players to be included in the final squad.

“I felt disappointed that we did not include some NPFL players in the AFCON squad. Some players may not even get a minute of action, so why couldn’t we include three or four from the local league?,” Eguavoen said.

The former Super Eagles coach rejected the notion that the domestic league lacks quality, insisting that recent struggles at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) should not define the entire NPFL.

“The players are not bad. Just because we didn’t do well at CHAN doesn’t mean we should throw the baby out with the bathwater,” he added.

Eguavoen also clarified that while team selection rests solely with head coach Eric Chelle, the NFF can only offer guidance rather than impose players on the technical crew.

The debate has exposed deep divisions among Nigerian football fans. While some believed NPFL players deserve opportunities to prove themselves on the biggest stage, others argue that the league’s current standard does not meet international requirements.

Prominent commentator JJ Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) strongly opposed the idea, arguing that national team selection should be based strictly on quality rather than sentiment.

“The best Nigerian players should represent Nigeria, irrespective of where they play,” Omojuwa wrote.

“You don’t use the national team to develop the league; you use the league to support the national team.”