Nigeria Football Federation president Ibrahim Gusau has dismissed allegations that the NFF influenced the Super Eagles’ final 28-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, insisting head coach Eric Chelle had full autonomy over his selections.
Chelle’s decision to cut his provisional list from 54 players this week triggered backlash in some quarters, with claims that external forces shaped the final squad.
Speaking on Eagle 102.5 FM, Gusau urged caution, warning that social media narratives were often driven by agents.
“People should be careful about what is going on, especially on social media,” Gusau said. “The environment is highly polluted. A lot of agents are everywhere. I will never tell a coach to pick this player or that player. I don’t want to be a distraction.”
The squad features 10 new faces compared to the team that reached the 2023 AFCON final, including Ryan Alebiosu, Igoh Ogbu, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Tochukwu Nnadi and forward Salim Fago Lawal.
Experienced figures such as Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Victor Osimhen were retained, while Paul Onuachu returns after more than a year away and Cyriel Dessers keeps his place.
Notable absentees include Ola Aina, retired captain William Troost-Ekong and injured defender Benjamin Fredrick.
Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella is another high-profile omission despite recently returning from injury.
Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand admitted the omission was a blow for the player, saying it was “beneficial for Leverkusen” but that Tella had “real hopes” of making the squad.
Nigeria’s AFCON build-up continues with a training camp in Egypt, where the Super Eagles are expected to face Egypt in an unofficial friendly on December 16.