Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Gusau has denied claims that the federation interfered within the choice of gamers for the Tremendous Eagles.
The present squad excludes the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Umar Sadiq, Tolu Arokodare, Victor Boniface, Christantus Uche and Alhassan Yusuf. New faces within the crew are defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed and Tochukwu Nnadi, in addition to ahead Salim Fago Lawal.
Talking on Eagles FM throughout an interview with Segun Odegbami, Gusau insisted that head coach Eric Chelle had full management over squad choice.
“I’ve by no means instructed any coach, for any of our nationwide groups, which participant to pick,” Gusau mentioned. “The coach has the liberty to make his selections.”
The NFF and the teaching crew have come below criticism from followers and analysts, particularly over the exclusion of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, the recall of Francis Uzoho, and the inclusion of Usman Muhammed, Salim Fago Lawal and Tochukwu Nnadi.
Throughout the identical interview, Gusau was requested about Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and whether or not it might have an effect on his determination to hunt a second time period as NFF president.
“I’ve not decided but,” he mentioned. “Once I do, I’ll let you already know.”
Gusau was elected NFF president in 2022 after securing 39 of the 41 votes on the election held in Benin Metropolis, changing Amaju Pinnick.
He additionally raised considerations about poor infrastructure, revealing that the Tremendous Eagles at the moment lack a correct coaching pitch in Abuja.
“In the entire of Abuja, there’s not one certified coaching pitch for the Tremendous Eagles to coach on,” Gusau mentioned.
The NFF president additional defended authorities involvement within the nationwide crew, saying it’s unavoidable.
“The Tremendous Eagles are a public and authorities crew,” he added. “There isn’t any authorities wherever on this planet that doesn’t help and fund its nationwide crew.”
