AFCON 2023: Ighalo Reacts to Neglection of Home Based Players in Super Eagles Provisional Squad

• Odion Ighalo is making a case for home-based players ahead of the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations
• The Nigerian international is unimpressed that NPFL stars were left out of Nigeria's provisional squad
• CAF has released the names of the Super Eagles' invited players as submitted by coach Jose Peseiro

Nigerian international, Odion Ighalo has criticised the Super Eagles technical crew over their provisional list for the forthcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the official names submitted by coach, Jose Peseiro for the tournament, which starts on January 13.

Foreign-based players dominate the Nigerian team, leaving Ighalo unimpressed as the former Watford of England made a case for home-based players.

Ighalo stated that players plying their trade in the Nigerian Professional Football League should be encouraged, Leadership reports.

Ghana's World Cup squad in 2022: Who is in, out, and why?

Football

According to the Al-Wehda of Saudi Arabia striker, leaving the home-based players out of the squad means the local league is not rated.

Ighalo said:

"I don't think is right not to invite home-based players. This is a 40-man list; at least five to seven players should be on the list to encourage them; not inviting them means you don't focus on the league."

Fans react to Ighalo's remarks on Super Eagles

One said:

"I wept when I saw the list."

Another added:

"I hope all the Nigeria journalists can understand where some of us are coming from now. This is a professional speaking."

The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group A of the tournament alongside hosts Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau in the preliminary round.

They will head into the tournament as one of the title favourites.

Alloy warns Peseiro about Nigeria's keeping

Sports Brief previously reported that former Nigerian national team goalkeeper, Alloy Agu urged Peseiro to fix the goalkeeping problems plaguing the Super Eagles.

Jose Peseiro: Super Eagles Manager Spotted at PSL Side’s Training Session

Football

The Nigerian team's goalkeeping department has become a significant source of worry for fans ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast.

With less than one month until the continental showpiece kicks off in January, Peseiro's side has not been convincing, as seen in the recent 2026 World Cup qualifiers.