National Teams
2025 AFCON Qualifier: Nigeria coach justifies controversial list of invited players
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria assistant coach Daniel Ogunmodede has defended the selection of players for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda, responding to the controversy surrounding the inclusion of certain players.
Ogunmodede explained that the list of invited players was the result of a collective decision made by the technical crew, with each player carefully assessed for their abilities and the needs of the team. He assured that the competency of the selected players was not in question.
“The head coach has come up with a list, discussed with us as his back-room staff, and I think they are competent and capable of representing the country,” Ogunmodede told the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“They are all familiar faces apart from Gabriel Osho, who is new in the setup now because he had an injury and had to undergo surgery.”
Ogunmodede further explained the rationale behind the inclusion of some players, specifically Gabriel Osho and Sadiq Umar, both of whom had been sidelined by injuries.
He confirmed that Osho is returning from injury, while Sadiq Umar has regained full fitness and is a regular starter for his club side.
A key point of discussion has been the inclusion of Nasarawa United defender Victor Collins, a player Ogunmodede believes adds important depth to the squad. The coach justified Collins’ selection, stating that the team needed a left-footed center-back, and Collins fits that role perfectly.
“Sadiq had been in the team for a while and was also out due to injury. Now he’s back, and the coach felt we needed a left-foot center-back. Presently in the league, we have Victor Collins, who has proven his worth,” Ogunmodede explained.
The Remo Stars coach also praised Collins’ performances in the Nigerian Premier League, describing him as one of the best left-footed defenders in the competition. Ogunmodede highlighted the head coach’s proactive approach in scouting local talent, noting that he had personally watched Collins in action multiple times.
“This is to show that the head coach is doing a massive job. He has gone around the country to watch the league, and in Collins, he has the belief, having watched him two or three times in the league. He’s possibly the strongest left-footed player we have in the Nigerian Premier League,” Ogunmodede added.
As the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial AFCON qualifiers, Ogunmodede’s comments underscore the technical staff’s commitment to selecting the best available players, whether they are familiar faces or emerging talents from the local league.
