Odion Ighalo, the former Super Eagles striker, has expressed his disapproval of the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) decision to not invite any outfield home-based players to the recent 40-man provisional squad for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Ighalo, who currently plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, believes that the NFF should have included at least five to seven home-based players in the squad to motivate them and show that the domestic league is being monitored.
“I don’t think it’s right not to invite home-based players,” Ighalo told the Punch newspaper. This is a 40-man list, at least five to seven players should be on the list to encourage them, not inviting them means you don’t focus on the league.”
Ighalo’s comments echo the sentiments of many Nigerian football fans and pundits, who have criticized the NFF’s decision as a slap in the face to the domestic league. The NFF has defended its decision, however, arguing that the focus should be on selecting the best players available, regardless of where they play.
The debate over the selection of home-based players for the Super Eagles is a long-standing one. Some argue that home-based players should be given more opportunities to prove themselves, while others believe that the focus should be on selecting the best players available, regardless of where they play.
The NFF’s decision to not invite any home-based players to the recent 40-man provisional squad is likely to reignite this debate. It remains to be seen whether the NFF will change its policy in the future, but Ighalo’s comments highlight the importance of giving home-based players a chance to shine.
Ighalo’s experience and success in the international arena make his opinion on this matter carry weight. Hopefully, the NFF will take his comments into consideration and make an effort to include more home-based players in future squads.
