'We need to say the truth' - Ex-Super Eagles star blasts Eric Chelle for snubbing 18-goal striker

Former Super Eagles defender Sam Elijah has criticized head coach Eric Chelle for omitting Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) top scorer Anas Yusuf from the 26-man squad to face Ghana in the upcoming Unity Cup clash in London. 

Yusuf, who had an outstanding campaign with Nasarawa United, netted 18 goals in 34 league matches to finish as the top scorer of the just-concluded NPFL season.

Despite his impressive form, the prolific striker was not included among the 10 locally based players selected for the national team.

The Super Eagles will take on arch-rivals Ghana in the second semifinal of the Unity Cup on Wednesday, May 28, at the Gtech Community Stadium in London.

Reacting to the squad announcement in an interview with All Nigeria Soccer Elijah expressed his disappointment over Yusuf's omission and questioned the selection criteria.

"For the coach to call ten local players and ignore the highest goal scorer of the NPFL, for me, it is not encouraging, we need to say the truth,” Elijah told allnigeriasoccer.com.

Elijah further praised the potential of the young forward and called on the national team handlers to ensure deserving players are recognized.

"I don't know the basis or yard stick of calling national team players, especially the home based players which is actually very bright and the highest goal scorer in our league."

He urged Chelle to reconsider his stance and ensure players like Yusuf are not overlooked in future call-ups.

"So I don't see why he shouldn't be called. For me, it is not good enough. So the coach should look at that, so next time there's an opportunity, he shouldn't ignore somebody like that.”

Nigeria will be aiming for a strong performance against Ghana as they continue preparations for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

Adeyemi Adewale

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