AFCON 2023: Ex-Man Utd star Odion Ighalo reveals why Peseiro should have invited NPFL players to Nigeria squad

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.

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.

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.

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.