Former Super Eagles defender Sam Elijah has strongly criticised head coach Eric Chelle for excluding Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) top scorer Anas Yusuf from the 26-man squad set to face Ghana in the upcoming Unity Cup clash in London.
Yusuf, who enjoyed a sensational season with Nasarawa United, finished as the NPFL’s highest goal scorer with 18 goals in 34 matches.
Despite his remarkable form, the prolific striker was shockingly left out of Chelle’s squad, which includes 10 locally based players.
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The Super Eagles will battle arch-rivals Ghana in the Unity Cup semifinal on Wednesday, May 28, at the Gtech Community Stadium in London. The match serves as crucial preparation ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
“It’s Not Encouraging” – Elijah Blasts Omission
In an interview with All Nigeria Soccer, Elijah expressed his frustration over Yusuf’s exclusion, questioning the selection criteria for home-based players.
“For the coach to call ten local players and ignore the highest goal scorer of the NPFL, for me, it is not encouraging. We need to say the truth,” Elijah stated.
The former defender further emphasized Yusuf’s potential and urged the national team handlers to reward merit.
“I don’t know the basis or yardstick for calling national team players, especially the home-based ones. This is a player who is very bright and the highest goal scorer in our league. So, I don’t see why he shouldn’t be called. For me, it is not good enough.”
Elijah called on Chelle to reconsider his approach to ensure deserving talents like Yusuf are not overlooked in future invitations.
“The coach should look at that. Next time there’s an opportunity, he shouldn’t ignore somebody like that.”
Fans React as Nigeria Prepares for Ghana Clash
The omission has sparked debate among Nigerian football fans, with many questioning whether the NPFL’s top performers are being given fair opportunities in the national team. Yusuf’s absence is particularly puzzling given his consistency and impact in the domestic league.
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With the high-profile friendly against Ghana just days away, the Super Eagles will be looking to put up a strong performance. However, Chelle’s decision to overlook the NPFL’s most lethal striker has raised concerns about the team’s selection
