Former Super Eagles striker, Femi Opabunmi, has called on head coach Eric Chelle to refrain from favoritism in his team selection as Nigeria gears up for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which is set to be held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Opabunmi’s comments follow Chelle’s announcement of his 23-man squad for the tournament, where Nigeria aims to secure its first CHAN title.
The squad features Remo Stars players Sodiq Ismaila and Nduka Junior, along with NPFL top scorer Anas Yusuf and Sikiru Alimi, who recently played for the senior national team in the Unity Cup.
In an interview with All Nigeria Soccer, the former Nigerian international stressed the importance of making selections based on merit for the matchday squad.
“I don’t want them to let sentiment influence the selection of players. That’s the most crucial aspect,” Opabunmi stated to analysts.
“When you choose the best from the league, they will perform at their best, so avoid sentiment in team selection.”
Opabunmi, who represented Nigeria at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, also praised the rising standard of the domestic league, highlighting the increased competitiveness and unpredictability of match outcomes as indicators of advancement.
“The Nigerian league is now more exciting than it used to be; teams can win away games, which was not the case before when home victories were essential,” he remarked.
Opabunmi concluded by urging Chelle to uphold professionalism and integrity throughout the tournament.
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“My advice to the coach is to make the right decisions at the appropriate times and to avoid letting sentiment affect his responsibilities.”
Nigeria, who won bronze at the 2014 CHAN, are placed in Group D with defending champions Senegal, Sudan, and Congo.
The Super Eagles will kick off their campaign at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar, facing Senegal and Sudan, before heading to Dar es Salaam to compete against Congo at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
