Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau has dismissed allegations that the federation influenced Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle’s final squad selection for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Chelle recently trimmed his provisional 54-man list to a final 28 players, a decision that triggered criticism and speculation that senior NFF officials had pressured the coach to include certain players.
Gusau distances NFF from selection process
Speaking in an interview with former Nigeria international Segun Odegbami on Eagle 102.5 FM, Gusau described such claims as misleading, warning that the current football information space is “highly polluted.”
He attributed much of the speculation to external actors, including agents, attempting to shape narratives around team selection.
“I will never tell a coach to pick this player or that player,” Gusau said. “Since becoming president, I have never even stayed in the same hotel as the national team during camps. I deliberately avoid being a distraction to the technical crew.”
Call for caution over rumours
Gusau urged fans and stakeholders to treat allegations circulating on social media with caution, stressing that squad selection remains the sole responsibility of the coaching staff.
He reassured the NFF’s position of granting technical independence to the Super Eagles’ handlers, insisting that sporting decisions must be made without administrative interference as Nigeria prepares for AFCON.
The Super Eagles have already opened camp in Cairo, Egypt ahead of their friendly against the Pharaohs, before traveling to Morocco for their AFCON opener against Tanzania.