Former Golden Eaglets star, Sambo Choji, has expressed his frustration with Super Eagles head coach Jose Santos Peseiro for opting for a 25-man squad instead of a larger 27-man selection.
Choji believes that a larger squad would have been more beneficial, especially considering the toll of injuries on players who have been actively participating in European leagues.
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“My anger with him was not taking a 27-man team. Instead of 27, he took 25, which is very wrong,” Choji remarks, underlining his disagreement with the decision.
He goes on to highlight the potential impact of players’ prior European commitments on their physical condition, asserting that a larger squad could have helped mitigate the risk of injuries during the African Cup of Nations.
Choji also comments on the coach’s emphasis on attackers, interpreting it as a preference for more offensive football.
“By taking those attackers, I think he is telling Nigerians that he wants to see more offensive football,” Choji suggests, acknowledging the coach’s strategic choice.
However, he urges fans to give Peseiro the benefit of the doubt and see how the team performs in the tournament.
While expressing disappointment in the squad size, Choji maintains a cautious optimism, stating, “Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt and see what’s going to happen.”
The former Golden Eaglets star hopes that Peseiro’s decision will prove to be tactically sound and lead to success for the Super Eagles in the upcoming AFCON.
As the Super Eagles prepare for the tournament, Choji’s critique adds an interesting perspective to the ongoing discussions surrounding the team’s composition and strategic approach.
