AFCON: Ibrahim Gusau Denies NFF Interference In Super Eagles Squad Selection

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has firmly dismissed claims that the body had a hand in the final Super Eagles squad chosen for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Naija News reports that head coach Eric Chelle trimmed his provisional 54-man list to 28 players on Thursday, December 11.

Since the unveiling of the squad list, there has been a series of speculations over how the players were put together. Some critics alleged that influential figures within the federation pushed for the inclusion of certain footballers.

Speaking during a radio interview with former Nigeria international Segun Odegbami on Eagle 102.5 FM, Gusau cautioned fans and commentators against spreading unverified accusations.

“People should be careful about what is going on, especially on social media,” Gusaud said.

“The environment is highly polluted. A lot of agents are everywhere.

“I will never tell a coach to pick this player or that player. I have never stayed in one hotel with the national team since I became the President. I don’t want to be a distraction.”

Gusau stressed that team selection remains the sole responsibility of the coaching crew, insisting that the federation has deliberately kept its distance to allow the technical team to work without pressure or interference.