Gusau denies influencing Chelle’s AFCON squad

Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau has denied claims that the body influenced the final Super Eagles squad released by head coach Eric Chelle.

Chelle, this week cut down his 54-man provisional list to only 28 players ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations this month.

The final squad was met with some criticisms and accusations that some players were included by bigwigs in the NFF.

But Gusau, speaking to former Nigeria international Segun Odegbami on Eagle 102.5 FM, warned against such allegations.

“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 have never stayed in one hotel with the national team since I became the President. 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 defenders Ryan Alebiosu and Igoh Ogbu, midfielders Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed and Tochukwu Nnadi, and forward Salim Fago Lawal.

Notable absentees include Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina, who was one of Nigeria’s best players at the last tournament, retired captain William Troost-Ekong, and injured defender Benjamin Fredrick.

The squad does retain some key players from the last AFCON campaign, including captain Troost-Ekong’s successor Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Victor Osimhen.

Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu also returns to the squad after more than a year out, while Panathinaikos forward Cyriel Dessers retains his place despite recent criticism about his form.

As part of their AFCON preparations, the Eagles will hold a training camp in Egypt, where they are expected to face the Pharaohs in an unofficial friendly on December 16.