Okemiri Criticises CHAN 2024 Squad, Calls for Better NPFL Representation

As Nigeria reflects on its disappointing outing at the 2024 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) in Zanzibar, former NPFL star Ogbonnaya Okemiri has voiced concerns over the squad’s selection. He argued that some of the country’s finest home-based talents were overlooked, contributing to the team’s poor performance.

Okemiri, who played for Enyimba, Heartland, and Rivers United during his career, observed:

“In my opinion, that was not the best we have in this country and in our league. There are some players who should have been in that team but were not there. I don’t know how they selected those players, but I’ve been in the league, and I’m still following the league. I’ve been watching some matches. So, I know when I see a good player who is capable of playing well in the home-based Eagles’ team.”

The former left-wing-back, also a member of Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles beach soccer team, recalled that during his playing days, selections were more balanced, with talent drawn evenly from multiple clubs.

“During my time in the Super Eagles’ home-based team, the coach selected the league’s best players. That’s how it should be done. They should select the best players from each club even if it’s only two from each of them,” Okemiri said.

He further questioned the decision to place Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle in charge of the home-based squad, arguing that the Franco-Malian tactician may not have fully understood NPFL players:

“How many Rivers United players were there? There’s a good, calm and mature central defender playing in Abia Warriors who should have been there. He played almost all the club’s league matches last season. Maybe the coach should have focused on the main Eagles and left the CHAN for our home coaches.”

Okemiri’s remarks coincided with the start of the 2025/26 NPFL season, highlighted by Rivers United drawing 1–1 away against reigning champions Remo Stars at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. The opening fixtures also featured four privately-owned clubs among the 20 contesting teams, signalling a new chapter for domestic football in Nigeria.

Editorial

We see Okemiri’s critique as a wake-up call for the administration of home-based national teams. For too long, politics and misjudged appointments have clouded squad selection. Domestic talent deserves recognition, particularly when players consistently perform in the NPFL.

We believe that home-grown players provide the foundation of Nigeria’s footballing identity. Ignoring them undermines the league and erodes confidence among aspiring stars. Okemiri’s call for merit-based selection is both timely and necessary.

We think that appointing the main national coach to the CHAN Eagles reflects a systemic oversight. Local coaches, more familiar with NPFL intricacies, could ensure that deserving talents receive opportunities to shine. Competence, not convenience, should guide appointments.

We anticipate that if lessons are learned from these oversights, future CHAN campaigns can properly showcase Nigeria’s domestic talent. Recognition of NPFL players is crucial not just for performance, but for the long-term growth of the league.

Did You Know?

1. Ogbonnaya Okemiri was nicknamed ‘Mosquito’ during his playing days for his agility and persistence on the field.
2. He is one of the few Nigerian players to have represented both the Super Eagles B and the Super Sand Eagles (beach soccer national team).
3. The CHAN tournament exclusively features players from domestic leagues, unlike the African Cup of Nations which includes overseas-based stars.
4. Nigeria has won the CHAN title only once, in 2014, underlining the importance of proper domestic squad selection.
5. The 2025/26 NPFL season features four privately-owned teams among 20 clubs a significant shift in league ownership and investment patterns.