Former Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has voiced his disappointment over the limited representation of local players in the provisional squad for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. With only three local goalkeepers making the 41-man list submitted by head coach Jose Peseiro, Ighalo expressed his belief that more home-based players deserve to be included.

 

 

In an interview with Oma Sports, Ighalo stated, “I don’t think it’s right not to invite home-based players. This is a 40-man list, at least five to seven players should be on the list to encourage them. Not inviting them means you don’t focus on the league.”

The exclusion of a significant number of local players from the provisional squad prompted Ighalo to emphasize the importance of providing opportunities to talents within the domestic league. He highlighted that investing in home-based players would not only promote the development of local football but also serve as an encouragement for aspiring talents.

 

 

While the ultimate composition of the squad for the AFCON is yet to be finalized, the limited representation of local players raises questions about the extent of inclusivity in the national team selection process. Notably, the 2021 AFCON squad hosted by Cameroon included only one home-based player, John Noble, further fueling discussions about the balance between domestic and international selections.

 

 

As the football community awaits the announcement of the final 27-man squad for the AFCON, the discourse surrounding the representation of local players in the Super Eagles’ provisional selection underscores the broader considerations of nurturing grassroots talent and fostering a more inclusive approach to national team representation.