16.12.2025
Ahead of the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament former Super Eagles midfielder and captain Mikel John Obi has expressed worry over coach Eric Chelle team selection.
Mikel who won the title with the Super Eagles in 2013 under late coach Stephen Keshi argued on “Obi One” his podcast show that coach Chelle has not been given a free hand to select the final 28 players and this might cost Nigeria the trophy.
“I don’t think the right players are being selected from what I hear,” he said.
“I think the manager doesn’t have the full authority to select who he wants. I think there’s a lot of influence on his selection.”
He said during his time administrators interfering with players selection was rejected by coach Keshi.
“I remember the late Stephen Keshi when he wanted to make his World Cup selection, called me up and say Mikel, I want to make the squad but these f****s keep calling me trying to influence my decision,” Mikel recounted.
“They say I have to pick this player but you know me, I will always do what’s right and I will pick the players that I think deserve and will go and help this country do well in the World Cup.”