Eric Chelle’s first Super Eagles squad selection has ignited a firestorm of debate among Nigerian fans, with social media set ablaze with opinions.
While the Malian tactician aims to
revive Nigeria’s faltering 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, his 39-man
provisional list has drawn both praise and sharp criticism.
Chelle’s squad sees the return of
former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa and the inclusion of six new faces,
including home-based talents Papa Mustapha, Kayode Bankole, and Ifeanyi
Emmanuel Onyebuchi.
Long before coach Eric Chelle
released his 39-man provisional Super Eagles list, speculations were already
rife on the inevitability of Ahmed Musa’s return to the squad. Just last
Saturday, we reported about the pressure being mounted on the Mali-born coach
to include the veteran striker in the squad. Proponents of his return argued
that apart from playing a more advanced and active role on the field of play,
Ahmed Musa’s experience and leadership qualities were needed in the team’s
camp. “The Super Eagles lack a leader and Musa’s background, development and
experience make him a perfect fit for the leadership role,” one supporter
argued.
The reaction on X (formerly Twitter)
has been overwhelmingly critical.
Accusations of NFF interference and
political meddling have surfaced, with many believing the latest Super Eagles
squad reflects external influence rather than the coach’s independent judgment.
Ahmed Musa’s inclusion has divided
opinion. While many fans welcomed his return, citing his experience and
leadership, others questioned his current form and relevance.
Writing on his X handle, GBỌ́LÁHÀN
@itsabefe said, “Irrespective of the new coach, it looks like our team always
looks the same because why is Ihenacho and Ahmed Musa on the provisional list?
They probably won’t make the final list
NAWAS M @Nawas_Masood wrote, “It’s
good to have Ahmedmusa back in the team. His experience and his leadership is
very important. And Victor Boniface needs to step up his game as he is yet to
have a good game with the national team despite his undeniable talent. Lastly I
hope we will see the Iwobi we have been seeing in a Fulham shirt this season.”
The decision to recall players based
on “past glory over form” has been a recurring theme of criticism.
The omission of Togolese-Nigerian
forward Gift Orban, who has impressed in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim, has
sparked outrage. Iyke Any on his X handle asked,”Is Gift Orban not eligible to
play for Nigeria yet? I really don’t understand how Kelechi Iheanacho should
make the provisional list while he isn’t considering their current form for
their clubs? Except there’s something we don’t know.”
He expressed his misgivings on the
exclusion of Orban from the list. “He was invited and he came to camp, but
didn’t feature in any of the games then because he got injured during training.
You know his father is Nigerian and mum Togolese but was brought up in Togo.
There was controversy on the country he would represent, though he chose
Nigeria”
Another fan, Pamela Taiye Ilekhuoba
added, “So Iheanacho was picked ahead of Gift Orban and Chuba Akpom? I know
this is a provisional list but he shouldn’t be there abeg.”
The perennial debate over Nigeria’s
lack of a creative number 10 also resurfaced, with fans lamenting the absence
of a natural playmaker in the squad.
One of the fans, Golden Son of Ibeju
Lekki wrote on his X handle @Horlartunjee1, “No number 10. The same issues that
have been affecting the team. This list just made my hope of us qualifying for
the World Cup go from 50% to 1%.”
Chelle’s final 23-man squad, to be
announced next week, will be under intense scrutiny. He faces the daunting task
of uniting a divided fanbase and delivering crucial victories against Rwanda
and Zimbabwe.
Culled from
Afrik-foot,ng
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