NFF Technical Director Disappointed Over NPFL Players’ Exclusion from AFCON Squad

NFF technical director Austin Eguavoen has expressed disappointment that some Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players were not included in the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

In an interview with Footy Africa, Eguavoen said several talented players in the NPFL could have been named in the final list. He also stressed that the NFF does not interfere with the head coach’s decisions.

“I felt disappointed that we did not include some NPFL players in the AFCON squad. Some players in the team may not even get a minute of action, so why couldn’t we include a few players from the local league? At least three or four would have been better,” Eguavoen said.

He added, “The players are not bad, and just because we didn’t do well at CHAN doesn’t mean we should throw the baby out with the bathwater. That said, I think this is something we need to look into because it speaks volumes when players come directly from the local league into a major tournament like AFCON.”

Eguavoen emphasised that the coach alone decides the squad: “There is an issue. The selection of players for the Super Eagles is the responsibility of the coach. We can only advise him; we cannot force players on him. I must also say that he has a lot of respect for the players and wants to see how he can gradually bring them through. We have discussed this a few times, but the timing has to be right. I believe those boys will get their chance if they continue to perform well. It’s not just about advising him—I think he will do it.”

He concluded by urging the coach to spend more time in Nigeria to scout talent: “He has visited some venues, but one thing I would like us to discuss and push for is for him to stay more in Nigeria. If he stays in the country more often, he will have better opportunities to visit venues and watch players. If he doesn’t, it becomes more difficult.”