Former Tremendous Eagles striker Peter Ijeh has thrown his full assist behind home league gamers, insisting that no less than two NPFL stars from the provisional 54-man checklist ought to make Nigeria’s remaining squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco (21 Dec 2025 – 18 Jan 2026).
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Ijeh acknowledged that the home-based squad carried out poorly on the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) earlier this yr, however argued that one dangerous match mustn’t completely shut the door on gamers from the home league.
“Regardless of their struggles at CHAN, these gamers deserve one other alternative. A minimum of two home-based gamers ought to make the ultimate AFCON squad,” Ijeh said.
He defined that Nigeria’s soccer id has all the time been constructed on a wholesome mix of home and foreign-based skills, a construction that produced legends through the years of Clemens Westerhof and later Stephen Keshi.
Based on Ijeh, denying NPFL gamers an opportunity at AFCON would solely weaken the league, discourage younger skills, and deepen the hole between the native system and the nationwide crew.
“Whenever you don’t give them alternatives, how will they develop? How will the league enhance? They have to be inspired, not deserted,” he stated.
The previous Malmö FF ahead additionally argued that the starvation and dedication of home-based gamers typically give them an edge, particularly at main tournaments the place physicality, self-discipline, and nationwide satisfaction are very important.
“Residence-based gamers convey ardour. They struggle for the badge. Typically that want is what you want in match soccer,” he added.
Ijeh urged coach Eric Sekou Chelle to guage the gamers strictly on advantage and training-ground efficiency, not on preconceived labels in regards to the native league.
He pressured that Nigeria’s provisional 54-man checklist mustn’t merely be ceremonial, warning that if NPFL gamers aren’t genuinely thought-about, it defeats the aim of naming such a large pool.
“In case you invite 54 gamers however don’t give a good likelihood to everybody, then what’s the level?” Ijeh requested.
He concluded by expressing confidence that, if given belief and correct integration, home-based gamers can contribute meaningfully in Morocco.
“Allow them to compete. Allow them to earn it. Nigeria will profit ultimately.”
