Odion Ighalo posing with the Saudi King's Cup title
A former Manchester United forward Jude Odion Ighalo throws his weight behind the idea of handing local-based players an invitation to the Super Eagles npflupdates.com reports.
Ighalo is of the opinion that exceptional homebased players who ply their trade in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) should be invited to the Super Eagles.
Also read: Osaze Odemwingie : I Dreamt Nigeria Will Win The AFCON
The statement was coming after Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro, submitted a 40-man 2023 AFCON provisional list to CAF with only four NPFL players making the list. And the four players were all goalkeepers(Ojo Olorunleke, Enyimba, Christian Nwoke, Sporting Lagos, Amas Obasogie, Bendel Insurance) with no outfield player.
The make up of the list sparked a lot of reactions as football journalists in Nigeria argue differently. While some argue that it’s unfair to not invite even one outfield player, others argued that NPFL players aren’t good enough.
Ighalo talks about Super Eagles provisional list
Giving his thoughts, Ighalo who finished as 2019 AFCON highest goalscorer said it’s not right to snub homebased players.
“I don’t think it is right not to invite any home-based player,” the former Watford FC forward told OmaSports TV.
“Not inviting them means you don’t focus on the league; you don’t trust them. You don’t encourage them.”
In a related development, Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka, reveals fans are frustrated at the national team. The frustration can be traced to the fact that the three-time African champions failed to win any of its two 2026 FIFA world cup qualifier against Crocodiles of Lesotho and Warriors of Zimbabwe last month.
“I know our fans are frustrated because of our performance but we still need their support ahead of the AFCON,” the Brentford midfielder said.
“The draws we had in the last two games is something we need to learn from.
Also read: Nigerians Abroad: Ejuke Breaks 1-Year Drought, Ighalo, Osimhen, Lookman Shines
“African teams are not easy to play against and it’s something that we need to prepare ourselves mentally and physically for ahead of the AFCON. We know what it takes to win the AFCON.”
