Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has questioned whether Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle had full control over the selection of the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Mikel raised his concerns after Chelle named a final 28-man squad from an initial 54-player provisional list, a process that saw several debutants included and a number of established internationals omitted.
Speaking on his Obi One podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder suggested external influence may have played a role in the final selection.
“I don’t think the manager has the full authority to pick the players he wants,” Mikel said. “There is a lot of influence on his selection.”
Obi was part of the 2013 squad that won Nigeria’s third AFCON. Photo Credit: Imago
The AFCON squad includes first-time call-ups for Tochukwu Nnadi, Salim Fago and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, while regular internationals such as Victor Boniface, Ola Aina, Maduka Okoye and Tolu Arokodare were left out. Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was also recalled after more than a year away from the national team.
Mikel said the unfamiliarity of some squad members raised broader questions about decision-making within Nigerian football.
“With all due respect, I saw the squad and I don’t know some of the players,” he said. “That tells you something about where we are as a nation.”
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Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda, and are widely expected to progress. However, Mikel said doubts about the selection process could affect the team’s chances.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
He also referenced his own experience under the late Stephen Keshi, recalling the pressure placed on coaches during squad selection ahead of major tournaments.
“He told me there were people telling him who to pick,” Mikel said. “He said if he didn’t select certain players, he would be fired. That conversation has stayed with me.”
Mikel added that such interference undermines team stability and limits a coach’s ability to build a competitive squad on merit.
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Despite his criticism, the former captain stopped short of ruling out Nigeria’s chances at the tournament but tipped hosts Morocco as favourites to lift the trophy, citing their recent development at both club and international level.
