AFCON qualifiers: Okpala, Obafemi, others question Iheanacho’s Eagles snub
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readSuper Eagles head coach Éric Chelle is facing criticism for omitting Kelechi Iheanacho from the squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Tanzania. Despite the striker's prolific performance at Bursaspor, the coach has prioritized other attacking options, leading to public questioning from former players and fans.
Context & Background
- ✦The Super Eagles are currently second in Group L with three points, following a win against Madagascar and a loss to Guinea-Bissau.
- ✦The debate highlights a tension between tactical selection preferences and the reliance on current club-level goalscoring form for national team call-ups.
Key Figures & Named Entities
Éric Chelle:Super Eagles head coach who opted for six other forwards.Kelechi Iheanacho:Striker with 20 total goal contributions in 20 matches this season.Sylvanus Okpala and Abiodun Obafemi:Former internationals who publicly questioned the selection criteria.
Outlook & Next Steps
Nigeria will play a double-header against Tanzania on November 13 and November 17, with the team aiming to secure maximum points to improve their standing in Group L.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle has excluded in-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho from the squad for the upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Tanzania.
- Former internationals Sylvanus Okpala and Abiodun Obafemi have publicly questioned the omission, citing Iheanacho’s prolific form at Bursaspor as justification for his inclusion.
- Despite Iheanacho recording 17 goals and 3 assists in 14 league appearances this season, the coach opted for six other forwards, sparking debate among fans and pundits.
Key Facts:November 6: Kelechi Iheanacho scored his latest goal for Bursaspor in a 1-1 draw against Antalyaspor.November 13: Nigeria is scheduled to host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.November 17: The return fixture against Tanzania is scheduled to take place in Zanzibar.
Editorial Excerpt
Former internationals Sylvanus Okpala and Abiodun Obafemi have questioned coach Éric Chelle’s decision to exclude in-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
Why are former internationals questioning the exclusion of Kelechi Iheanacho?
They argue that Iheanacho’s current form—17 goals and 3 assists in 14 appearances—and his experience should take precedence over the fact that he plays in the second division.
Who are the forwards selected by coach Éric Chelle instead of Iheanacho?
The coach selected Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Moses Usor.
