2023: Ighalo Frowns At Non-Invitation Of NPFL Players

2023: Ighalo Frowns At Non-Invitation Of NPFL Players

Sampson Adedeji

Former Nigeria's Super Eagles striker Odion Jude Ighalo has expressed his displeasure over the non-inclusion of the home-based players in the provisional list of the Super Eagles, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Coach Jose Peseiro through the Nigeria Football Federation earlier in the week released the list of the 41 players that will commence training for the upcoming 2023 African Cup of Nations without outfield players from the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Ighalo while speaking to Oma Sports emphasised that the local league players should have been listed on the provisional list to encourage them.

“I don’t think it is right not to invite any home-based players, because this is a provisional list.

“In a 41-man list, at least five to seven players from the NPFL should be on the list just to encourage them. Even if we know the coach won’t keep any of them for the tournament.

“But not including an outfield player in the squad means you don’t focus on the league.

“This means that you (the coaches) don’t trust them you don’t encourage them to work hard more", he said.