Ex-International Udeze Slams Nigeria’s AFCON Squad

Former Nigeria defender Ifeanyi Udeze has publicly criticized the final 28-man Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing its composition as “questionable” and highlighting what he sees as puzzling selection decisions.

In an interview on Brila FM, Udeze focused on two main concerns: the inclusion of players from less prominent leagues over domestic talent and the omission of key European-based players.
Udeze, who earned 33 caps for Nigeria, specifically questioned the selection of Usman Muhammed, a 31-year-old midfielder playing in the Israeli second division.

“Why bring in a player that plays in the second division in Israel?” Udeze asked, suggesting the spot should have gone to a standout performer from the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).

“Leaving Maduka Okoye out is questionable… he is a regular for Udinese, but we have goalkeepers from Cyprus and Tanzania who made the list,” he stated, indirectly referencing Francis Uzoho (Omonia Nicosia, Cyprus)

Announced on Thursday, Coach Eric Chelle’s squad features a mix of experience and new faces:
Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor) and goalkeeper Francis Uzoho are back after over a year out of the team.Besides Okoye, Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare was a surprising exclusion.

The squad includes several uncapped or recently integrated players like defenders Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers) and Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Inter Milan, on loan to Pisa), and forward Lawal Fago.

“For me the Super Eagles final squad list is questionable because there are some players I have nothing to do in the team”—he ended his critique with a note of support: “Super Eagles is my team and I will support them.”

His public questioning puts additional scrutiny on Coach Chelle’s selections as Nigeria, considered a tournament favorite, prepares for its Group C opener against Tanzania on December 23.