Former Nigerian international and present coach of Calabar Rovers, Bob Osim, has voiced significant concerns regarding the current CHAN Eagles squad, asserting that the team does not accurately represent the true caliber of players in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Osim, who earned nine caps for the Super Eagles from 2022 to 2023, criticized the selection process for the tournament. He believes that systemic issues and personal interests have resulted in the exclusion of deserving players.
”The reality is, it’s not merely about communication; it’s our system. Our system is inadequate, and the matter of vested interests is another critical issue,” Osim remarked in an interview with Brila FM.
He further stated, “Certain individuals are more focused on promoting their players for financial gain. Consequently, some of the league’s top performers were omitted simply because they lacked the necessary support or connections. In my opinion, we did not field our strongest team.”
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Osim stressed that while Nigeria possesses ample talent in the NPFL to compete at the highest levels, favoritism and a lack of transparency continue to hinder the advancement of the national team.
Currently coaching in the second-tier Nigeria National League, Osim remains a proponent of merit-based selections and improved structures within Nigerian football.
