Former Nigeria captain John Mikel Obi has ignited a major controversy by suggesting that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle did not have full autonomy in selecting his 28-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mikel Obi Alleges Interference in Player Selection
Speaking candidly on his popular Obi One Podcast, the ex-Chelsea midfielder expressed serious doubts about the integrity of the selection process for the tournament in Morocco. Mikel stated he does not believe the right players have been chosen, hinting at undue influence on the Franco-Malian tactician.
"I don't think the right players are being selected from what I hear," Mikel revealed. "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."
Echoes of Stephen Keshi's 2013 Stand
Mikel Obi drew a direct comparison to the experience of the late coach Stephen Keshi ahead of the 2013 AFCON, which Nigeria famously won. He recounted a personal conversation with Keshi, who was under similar pressure.
"I remember the late Stephen Keshi when he wanted to make his World Cup selection, called me up and said, 'Mikel, I want to make the squad, but these people keep calling me trying to influence my decision,'" Mikel narrated. Keshi, according to Mikel, resisted the pressure, insisting he would only pick players he believed could help the country succeed.
The Squad and the Stakes for Morocco 2025
Coach Eric Chelle recently named his final squad, which includes six new invitees, for the continental championship set to begin on December 21, 2025. The three-time African champions are placed in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.
The team has already opened camp in Cairo, Egypt, with 25 players arriving for an international friendly against the Pharaohs. This match is seen as a crucial test for Chelle to fine-tune his tactics before the tournament.
Despite his criticism of the selection process, Mikel, who earned 91 caps for Nigeria, ended his message with a rallying cry to the current squad: "Bring it home lads." The Super Eagles are under immense pressure to deliver the AFCON trophy, especially after the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The allegations come as other legends like Yakubu Aiyegbeni have also commented on the squad, pointing out a perceived lack of a creative midfielder. As the tournament kick-off approaches, these revelations from a respected figure like Mikel Obi are sure to dominate discussions among Nigerian football fans.
