Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has ignited debate following the release of his expansive 54-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. While the list includes a mix of veterans, current regulars, and new faces, a notable omission has drawn sharp criticism from a prominent football figure.
Adepoju Berates Chelle for Midfield Snub
Tobi Adepoju, the Sporting Director of Shooting Stars SC, has publicly lambasted coach Eric Chelle for continuing to overlook Caykur Rizespor midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin. In a post on social media platform X, Adepoju expressed his frustration, arguing that the Turkish Super Lig star possesses the quality needed to address the Super Eagles' midfield concerns.
"The Super Eagles need additional bodies & quality in the midfield," Adepoju stated. "Ibrahim Olawoyin can't be at this top level in the Turkish League, and the coach will continue to ignore him when he's one of the qualities to solve the midfield problems."
Breaking Down the Massive Provisional List
The provisional roster, submitted to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Tuesday, December 2, is a broad selection designed to cover all bases. It is headlined by experienced campaigners like captain William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, and Calvin Bassey.
Chelle's selection breaks down into six goalkeepers, thirteen defenders, twelve midfielders, and a striking twenty-three forwards. The goalkeeping unit features the likes of Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, and Francis Uzoho. The forward line, which has raised eyebrows due to its size, includes in-form stars Osimhen and Lookman, alongside Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze.
In a nod to domestic talent, five players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) also received call-ups: Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos), Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors), Abdulrasheed Shehu (Niger Tornadoes), Ekeson Okorie (Nasarawa United), and Chisom Orji (Warri Wolves).
Olawoyin's Credentials and Fan Backlash
The case for Ibrahim Olawoyin's inclusion is bolstered by his consistent performances in Turkey. The 29-year-old former Abia Warriors and Enugu Rangers player has scored 18 goals in 98 appearances for Caykur Rizespor since joining in 2023. Notably, he found the net in his club's 6-1 Turkish Cup victory over Pendikspor on the very day the provisional list was announced.
His last invitation to the national team came during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers under former coach Finidi George. Fans on social media have largely echoed Adepoju's sentiments, questioning the continued exclusion of a player performing at a high level in a reputable European league.
One user, @Ugolibra, commented on the need for creativity: "I wanted to see his link up play with striker works. Also, how he controls the midfield.. we already have goal scorers. What we need is a midfielder that can give them that pass to score a goal." Another, @SholumadeWale, boldly claimed, "I swear, Iwobi no dey creative as this guy."
In related positive news for the squad, coach Chelle has reportedly received clearance for former Arsenal defender Ryan Alebiosu to represent Nigeria. A previous issue with securing a Nigerian passport has been resolved by the NFF, making the player eligible for selection ahead of the tournament in Morocco.
