Former Super Eagles striker Peter Ijeh has thrown his full support behind domestic league players, insisting that at least two NPFL stars from the provisional 54-man list should make Nigeria’s final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco (21 Dec 2025 – 18 Jan 2026).
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Ijeh acknowledged that the home-based squad performed poorly at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) earlier this year, but argued that one bad tournament should not permanently close the door on players from the domestic league.
“Despite their struggles at CHAN, these players deserve another opportunity. At least two home-based players should make the final AFCON squad,” Ijeh stated.
He explained that Nigeria’s football identity has always been built on a healthy blend of domestic and foreign-based talents, a structure that produced legends during the years of Clemens Westerhof and later Stephen Keshi.
According to Ijeh, denying NPFL players a chance at AFCON would only weaken the league, discourage young talents, and deepen the gap between the local system and the national team.
“When you don’t give them opportunities, how will they grow? How will the league improve? They must be encouraged, not abandoned,” he said.
The former Malmö FF forward also argued that the hunger and determination of home-based players often give them an edge, especially at major tournaments where physicality, discipline, and national pride are vital.
“Home-based players bring passion. They fight for the badge. Sometimes that desire is what you need in tournament football,” he added.
Ijeh urged coach Eric Sekou Chelle to judge the players strictly on merit and training-ground performance, not on preconceived labels about the local league.
He stressed that Nigeria’s provisional 54-man list should not simply be ceremonial, warning that if NPFL players are not genuinely considered, it defeats the purpose of naming such a wide pool.
“If you invite 54 players but don’t give a fair chance to everyone, then what is the point?” Ijeh asked.
He concluded by expressing confidence that, if given trust and proper integration, home-based players can contribute meaningfully in Morocco.
“Let them compete. Let them earn it. Nigeria will benefit in the end.”
