Former Tremendous Eagles defender Sam Sodje has blasted the not too long ago launched 54-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, describing the record as pointless, disorganised, and poorly timed, particularly with Nigerians nonetheless reeling from the shock of lacking the 2026 World Cup.
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Sodje questioned the reasoning behind inviting such a big pool of gamers barely weeks earlier than AFCON kicks off on 21 December 2025, arguing that it displays confusion slightly than technique.
“A 54-man record at this stage is unnecessary. It seems to be chaotic. It reveals we’re not critical,” he mentioned.
The previous West Bromwich Albion defender was notably important of the choice to incorporate injured gamers, together with striker Victor Boniface, who’s but to regain full health.
“Why are injured gamers on the record? If they’ll’t play, why name them? It’s complicated and pointless,” Sodje questioned.
He added that many names on the record seem to have been chosen with out clear objective, warning that such disorganisation sends the flawed message to followers nonetheless upset about Nigeria’s World Cup failure.
“Individuals are nonetheless damage by lacking the World Cup. This isn’t the time for confusion. Nigerians need readability, not one other messy scenario,” he burdened.
Sodje argued {that a} provisional record ought to be trimmed, targeted, and based mostly on benefit, not a scattergun strategy that invitations practically each obtainable participant.
“A nationwide group is just not a trial camp. At this level, you must know your squad. Fifty-four gamers? It’s an excessive amount of,” he mentioned.
He warned that such poor planning might have an effect on Nigeria’s morale heading into Morocco, stressing that successful AFCON requires self-discipline and clear course from the outset.
“AFCON wants preparation, not panic. Any such record reveals an absence of organisation, and it worries me,” Sodje added.
Nevertheless, he urged Nigerians to remain supportive, saying the group nonetheless has an opportunity to compete nicely if the best selections are made rapidly.
“We should get critical. Trim the squad, deal with the best gamers, and put together correctly. That’s what Nigerians need to see,” he concluded.
