Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has faced fresh criticism over his squad selection for Nigeria's upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Soccernet.ng reports.
Chelle unveiled a 39-man provisional squad on Tuesday ahead of the fixtures, with Nigeria set to face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo four days later.
While the list included several established internationals and in-form players, the invitation of Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho has sparked debate among football stakeholders.
Ahmed Musa, Nigeria's most-capped player with 110 appearances and 18 goals, remains a revered figure after scoring at two World Cup tournaments and helping the Super Eagles win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
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However, the 32-year-old, who now plies his trade with Kano Pillars in the Nigeria Professional Football League, has not played a competitive minute for Nigeria since 2023.
Musa, who has scored six goals and provided two assists in 17 appearances for Kano Pillars this season, was overlooked by previous coaches George Finidi and Augustine Eguavoen. However, Chelle's decision to recall the veteran forward has divided opinion.
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Middlesbrough striker Iheanacho has also struggled for form this season. The former Manchester City man joined Sevilla last summer after leaving Leicester City but endured a torrid spell in Spain, failing to score in La Liga before returning to England on loan in January. He is yet to find the net for Middlesbrough.
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Former BCC Lions captain Bolaji Douglas has become the latest voice to question the inclusion of the two players, suggesting their presence blocks opportunities for younger, in-form talents.
“It is easy to spot the names,” Douglas told The Nation.
“Ahmed Musa has served the nation very well; I don't see what he is still doing there. He is blocking someone’s position. Kelechi Iheanacho has struggled this season. Those two readily come to mind.”
Douglas, who captained BCC Lions to two FA Cup triumphs in 1993 and 1994, added that the national team should not be a place for players to regain form.
“The national team should never become a rehabilitation centre or a place to come and wind down from the hectic demands on the players by their clubs season,” Douglas said.
“While it may be said that now is not the time to experiment with new players, it can equally be said that there should be no room for those not on top of their games.”
Chelle's decision to invite Musa and Iheanacho has come at the expense of several in-form Nigerian stars, with Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi, Çaykur Rizespor's Ibrahim Olawoyin, and LOSC Lille striker Chuba Akpom among those left out.
With Nigeria still searching for their first win in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers following draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa last year, the pressure will be on Chelle to justify his squad selection when the Super Eagles resume their qualifying campaign.
