)
2019 AFCON Golden Boot winner Odion Ighalo believes NPFL outfield players should have made the 55-man provisional list made by Jose Peseiro for the 2024 tournament.
Super Eagles legend Odion Jude Ighalo has weighed in on the debate that stemmed from the absence of outfield home-based players in the 55-man provisional list for next year’s AFCON.
The Al-Wehda striker shone in green and white during the 2019 AFCON tournament, winning the Golden Boot with five goals, one of which ensured a bronze medal in the 1-0 third-place play-off victory over Tunisia.
)
21:03 - 19.12.2023
AFCON 2023: Breaking Down the Super Eagles' chance of winning the African Cup of nation
Nigeria has been drawn into a challenging Group A alongside Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
)
21:01 - 19.12.2023
Super Eagles: 5 Nigeria's unforgettable football moments
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, known for their passion and skill on the football field, have been involved in numerous memorable matches that have left an indelible mark on their fans.
The former Granada striker’s involvement in the Super Eagles' highest-ever finish since the late Stephen Keshi led Nigeria to triumph in 2013 cannot be overstated, and now, away from national team dynamics, Ighalo gives his two cents on the released squad list.
Nigeria’s foreign-centric squad list
As Pulse Sports reported, Jose Peseiro, under the auspices of the NFF, has released the provisional short list of footballers to represent Nigeria in Cote d’Ivoire.
The Portuguese gaffer named a 55-man provisional squad for the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023), with only three players, called up from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL.)
)
According to the list, only three goalkeepers were considered good enough to help Peseiro chase his dream of leading Nigeria to the AFCON title.
Bendel Insurance superstar goalkeeper Amas Obasogie has been rewarded for his brilliant consistency. He made the list of home-based selections alongside two other shot-stoppers: Sporting Lagos’ Christain Nwoke and Enyimba’s Ojo Olorunleke.
)
The obvious snub of out-field players from Nigeria’s primary football competition has raised eyebrows, with many questioning the decision.
What Ighalo said
The former Al-Hilal striker is the latest to speak on the matter, and like many NPFL-focused journalists, but without any chagrin, disagreed with the snub of players from the Nigerian league.
In a video uploaded by Oma Akatugba on X, the former Manchester United striker explained that naming players from the NFPL serves as motivation for players in the competition.
He opined that slots in the provisional list should have been handed to players from the league, even as mere placeholders, before a more concise list was made, as he believes it is important to encourage the stars of the NPFL.
Related content
)
23:12 - 19.12.2023
Iwobi gets one over Everton as Super Eagles-eligible Adarabioyo sends Fulham to EFL Cup semifinal
After being sold in the summer, Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi had the last laugh over Everton as his Fulham side knocked the Toffees out of the EFL Cup on penalties
21:01 - 19.12.2023
Super Eagles: 5 Nigeria's unforgettable football moments
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, known for their passion and skill on the football field, have been involved in numerous memorable matches that have left an indelible mark on their fans.
)
12:10 - 18.12.2023
AFCON2023: 3 NPFL players named in Super Eagles 55-man provisional squad
Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro believes only three players for the NPFL are good enough for his quest to win the AFCON2023.
)
11:19 - 18.12.2023
Orban and Balogun missing as Peseiro unveils Super Eagles 50-man provisional list ahead of AFCON 2023
As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 approaches, the Nigerian national football team, known as the Super Eagles, is gearing up for what promises to be an exciting tournament.
)
01:37 - 18.12.2023
Hakimi deserves the award: Osimhen responds to internet troll disputing his CAF POTY
Super Eagles ace Victor Osimhen retaliated against an internet troll that claimed he was not deserving of the CAF POTY Award.
)
19:36 - 17.12.2023
Real Madrid eye Victor Osimhen as Mbappe and Haaland alternative
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen could be in a Real Madrid shirt next season, despite recently signing a contract with Napoli
![[Watch]: Proud moment as Victor Osimhen shows African Player of the year award to Napoli fans](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/17122023/c9756ab9-b329-427b-8417-a3924c090c39.jpg?operations=fit(:350))
12:18 - 17.12.2023
[Watch]: Proud moment as Victor Osimhen shows African Player of the year award to Napoli fans
Napoli icon Victor Osimhen displayed his African Player of the Year award at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium before the masterclass against Cagliari.
)
03:32 - 17.12.2023
I’m not a victim — Xabi Alonso ready to lose Boniface and Tella to AFCON
Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso talks about the coming AFCON and the possibility of losing key players to the tournament.
)
23:11 - 16.12.2023
Key Stats how Nottingham Forest can not win without Taiwo Awoniyi
Super Eagles star Taiwo Awoniyi's absence could cost Nottingham Forest their Premier League status according to some recent numbers
)
22:34 - 16.12.2023
Super Eagles-eligible forward Elijah Adebayo sets Premier League milestone with Luton
Despite the amount of attacking talent in the Super Eagles squad, more strikers of Nigerian descent continue to make their mark in Europe's top leagues and push for a place in the national team
)
20:00 - 14.12.2023
FOOTBALL Nigeria superstar Asisat Oshoala reveals what inspires her colourful hairstyles
Nigeria striker and six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala has explained the reason she spots different bright-coloured hairstyles
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)