AFCON 2025: Former Player, Udeze calls selections questionable

Former Super Eagles defender, Ifeanyi Udeze, has slammed Nigeria’s final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the selection as questionable.

While speaking on Brila FM, Udeze raised concerns about some players chosen by head coach Eric Chelle.

He was dissatisfied on why players from less competitive foreign leagues were selected ahead of top performers in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).

Udeze specifically mentioned Usman Muhammed, a 31-year-old midfielder playing in Israel’s second division.

“Why invite a player from the second division in Israel when there are good players performing well in the NPFL?” he demanded.

He also questioned the decision to leave out goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who plays regularly for Italian club Udinese. Udeze noted that goalkeepers from clubs in Cyprus and Tanzania made the squad instead.

“Leaving Maduka Okoye out is surprising. He plays regularly in Italy, yet goalkeepers from smaller leagues were selected,” he said.

The AFCON squad was announced on Thursday and includes returning players like Paul Onuachu and goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, who had both been absent from the team for over a year.

Another notable omission is striker Tolu Arokodare of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The team also features several new or uncapped players, including defenders Ryan Alebiosu and Igoh Ogbu, midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and forward Lawal Fago.

In spite of his criticism, Udeze said he would still support the national team.

“The Super Eagles are my team, and I will always support them,” he said.

Nigeria will begin their AFCON campaign in Group C against Tanzania on December 23.