Ighalo, Oliseh criticize decision to exclude out-field NPFL players from Nigeria AFCON provisional squad

Former Super Eagles stars, Odion Ighalo and Sunday Oliseh have voiced criticism of the decision to exclude out-field NPFL players from the Nigeria provisional 40-man list for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ighalo and Oliseh in separate remarks emphasized the importance of including local talents to boost the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Expressing his stance on the matter, Al Wedha SC striker, Ighalo argued that even though home-based players might not make the final list for the tournament, having five to seven of them in the provisional squad would serve as encouragement.

He believes that this inclusion would motivate the players and contribute to the development of the league, fostering a belief that they can earn a spot on the national team in the future. Ighalo conveyed his views via Oma Sports.

Ighalo said; “I don’t think it’s right not to invite home-based players because it is a provisional, 40-man list. We should have five to seven home-based players to encourage them.

” We know they might not make the final list for the tournament, but at least five or seven should be on the list to encourage the players and the league so they can work harder and believe they can make the team in the future,”

The exclusion of home-based players from the AFCON provisional list has sparked a heated debate within the Nigerian football community. Football enthusiasts are engaging in discussions, sharing diverse opinions on the decision made by the NFF.

In agreement to Ighalo’s viewpoint, former Ajax star Sunday Oliseh highlighted the shift in football dynamics, drawing a comparison between the current squad and the teams of the 90s and 2000s, which featured international superstars and achieved success on the global stage.

Oliseh expressed concern about the absence of home-based players, noting that neglecting local talent could hinder the growth of grassroots football.

He shared his thoughts on his X (formerly Twitter) page, stating, “If we had superstars like in the 90’s and early 2000’s playing at the very top world clubsides, champions league etc., one could understand the absence of home-based in a 40-man call-up. Haba, they just want to disregard everything that is home-based in favour of football business! Time we acted!”

The debate surrounding the exclusion of home-based players from the AFCON provisional list reflects differing opinions within the football community regarding the balance between international exposure and nurturing local talent.