Former Nigeria international Ifeanyi Udeze has said the Super Eagles final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is questionable.
On Thursday, the Super Eagles final squad for the AFCON was announced.
The final list is made up of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards.
The surprise omissions include Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare, while Francis Uzoho and Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu are back after over a year out.
The squad also features several new faces across defence, midfield and attack.
In defence, Blackburn Rovers’ Ryan Alebiosu and Slavia Prague centre-back Igoh Ogbu both make the cut.
The new inclusions are Inter Milan midfielder and Remo Stars Academy product Ebenezer Akinsanmiro who is currently on loan to Pisa, 31-year-old Usman Muhammed, who plays in the second division in Israel and former Flying Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi are new. Croatia-based forward and ex-Flying Eagles striker Lawal Fago made the cut.
“For me the Super Eagles final squad list is questionable because there are some players I have nothing to do in the team,” Udeze said on Brila FM.
“Super Eagles is my team and I will support them but there’s something about this list . Why bring in a player that plays in the second division in Israel, it would have been better if that spot is given to a player from the NPFL.”
Udeze questioned the decision to leave out Okoye despite being a regular for Udinese in Serie A.
He said:”Also, 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 Cyrpus and Tanzania who made the list.”
10 Comments
All we owed this team and nation is our support but truth be told these northern demon in nff has killed our football totally but one day everyone’s eyes shall open to realit the coach should also come out and explain to Nigerians what informed his choice of players and why he dropped those he dropped
It looks like excluding those two controversial spots on the list, every other player is Christian.
Imagine going to AFCON with all players of one faith?
Haba now, dem need to sprinkle some Federa Character (aka sharia) on top the list now…
I agree with Udeze that the squad selection is questionable. Outside the unjustifiable exclusion of Udinese no 1 keeper Okoye, replaced by the poorly, flapping Uzoho, I also question the inclusion of almost 4 aging, ineffectual 31+ years old in a team that struggles for fitness and energy when they meet physical, energetic African sides.
What is 31 years old Usman Mohammed from unknown div 2 low-side Israeli team doing on the squad? And what is Onuachu, Dessers doing there when there are younger, fitter and pacier wingers/strikers from the last twu-u20 teams that can complement Osimhen?
It’s going to be same story; Chelle just doesn’t want to experiment so he doesn’t lose his job- but he will lose his job carrying the same old brigade that struggled for fitness against Dr Congo, thinking he can win Afcon with them. He will be lucky to go beyond round of 16 with his unfit squad, as I place Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Algeria, Cameroon and even Tunisia ahead of the SE squad.
I heard Okoye asked to be excused from the AFCON party bcos he do not want to loose his Udinese NO 1 status while seating on the bench the entire AFCON tournament, if this the truth then we shd free Chelle of any fault.
The WC miss deprive the normal grove that come with AFCON, me personally have activate Sidon look mode.
Very questionable indeed. Please what is usman Mohammed bringing to the table. 31years old and playing in the second division in Israel. His he coming to understudy Ndidi and Iwobi that are 28 and 26yrs respectively? A player of that age should be coming as a starter. I swear hands hv temper with Chelle’s squad list. Im not expecting any great from thw team. Fans remove ur mind from Afcon and SE till further notice
Mr. Ifeanyi Udeze, there are some ethnic balancing in the list, we know it as federal character here.
For Okoye the goal keeper, he is first choice in Udinese, there is no need for him to come and sit on the bench for about 4 to 5 weeks in AFCON. The coach already knows his number 1 goal keeper which is Stanley Nwabali
Udeze is talking rubbish. This list is not questionable. Onuachu is the best, forget the rest. Usman Mohammed brings experience. He is far better than other midfielders in Africa.
I have warned you all to turn your back on Nigerian football, but you people did not listen to me.
We, the fans, are the major problem. If we had continued the NFF campaign, we wouldn’t be seeing this now. NFF must go!
NFF can do whatever they like nobody will touch them. The federal government did not say anything, and if they have to react, this is the best time to dissolve the NFF Ajewomasan.
Nigeria has failed to qualify for the World Cup twice in a row, and those with our football still want to stay. Doing what?
If not because of the love I have for my country, Nigeria, I wouldn’t have made a comment again.
This NFF will bring down the Super Eagles soon, and the Super Eagles will definitely struggle against the smaller teams in Africa.
Last warning! Don’t put your mind on Nigerian football again. It is not worth it.
Can we see there must be a reason why Ekong quit the national team a few weeks before the Afcon?
That shows that something is happening behind the scenes and NFF is not competent.
Eric Chelle, I love you just the way I love the former coach, Oga Rohr.
And for sure, I will turn my back on you if you allow NFF to get to you.
If the NFF do not allow you to do your job then quit shikena. Don’t tarnish your image Oga Chelle.
For me, we are not ready for a change as a nation. I can’t waste my time on something that is not real. Which is the NFF Ajewomasan?
As a loyal fan, all the best to the Super Eagles. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!
What i like about history as a subject or course is thzt you will learn a lot of lessons from historical events.
An organisation that has seek for excellence will always be guided by historical events or previous antecedents.
Poor team selection, players dispute over bonus, officials interference with team selection has always led to poor performance in afcon on the part of super eagles.
The current board of nff will learn from history.
When congo drc outplayed super eagles in the world cup Qualification play off i was expecting the nff to allow the coach to invite players on the basis of their current form, the type of league and the number of matches they have played for their clubs.
The list consists of the same set of players that could not cope with the stamina and skill of the Congolese, players playing in second division in isreal, 31 year old player.
If we continue like this we will not play the next world cup even afcon.
This team the way is constituted will not progress beyond the quarter finals.
I dont expect this team to beat Morocco, Senegal, ivory coast, Egypt, Tunisia, south Africa etc.
Chief Frank Uzoho is back in town. Hmmm. If small breeze blow and aggravates Nwabali’s injury, Uzoho might need to step up. Hope he’s ready! Okoye’s presence would have provided adequate cover, but he’s out of the picture.
Philip Otele, Rafiu Durosinmi, Onuche Ogbelu, Gift Orban. Peter Agba. These are good players who have been excluded. Hopefully, we won’t regret this.
Having our best players available is always good for the team. A bench that is very strong helps a team to prosper.
Anyway, wish the invited lads all the best.