Former Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has suggested there may have been outside influence in the selection of head coach Eric Chelle’s final 28-man squad for the 2025 AFCON tournament, SportPremi reports.
The unveiling of Nigeria’s final squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco last week has sparked plenty of debate, with several notable omissions raising eyebrows.
The most surprising exclusion was Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who was part of the team for the CAF playoffs for the FIFA World Cup, but was left out of the AFCON squad.
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The 26-year-old had been in impressive form for the Italian club since returning to action from a betting scandal and had been tipped to replace Stanley Nwabali, whose participation is still clouded by doubts due to injury.
The Super Eagles are camped in Cairo and face Egypt later tonight in friendly clash, as Eric Chelle continues to prepare his side for the tournament in Morocco.
Mikel gives Verdict on AFCON Squad
Speaking during an episode of his Obi One Podcast, former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel hinted at external interference in Eric Chelle’s final 28-man squad to represent Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations.
“I don’t think the right players are being selected from what I hear,” Mikel admitted.
“I think the manager doesn’t have the full authority to select who he wants, I think there’s a lot of influence on his selection.
“We remember the late Stephen Keshi when he wanted to make his World Cup selection, called me up and say Mikel, I want to make the squad but these f****s keep calling me trying to influence my decision.
They say I have to pick this player but you know me, I will always do what’s right and I will pick the players that I think deserve and will go and help this country do well in the World Cup”, the former Chelsea star concluded.
Nigeria Eye Victory at 2025 AFCON
Nigeria head into the tournament in search of a long-awaited fourth title, with their last win coming as far back as 2013, when Sunday Mba netted the only goal in a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso.
Since then, they have secured bronze medal at the 2019 edition, while they also reached the final of the 2023 edition but were ultimately beaten by Ivory Coast 2-1 in the final.
With several quality players present this time around, the three-time champions head into the tournament in Morocco as one of the favorites and will be hoping to put behind their World Cup disappointment.
They begin their campaign against Tanzania on the 23rd, before further group C matches against Tunisia and Uganda on the 27th and 30th respectively.
