Flawed Selection, Weak League to Blame for CHAN Failure – Babayaro, Ajilore

Flawed Selection, Weak League to Blame for CHAN Failure – Babayaro, Ajilore

By Niyi Busari 

Former Super Eagles internationals Emmanuel Babayaro and Femi Ajilore have offered critical insights into the failure of Nigeria’s home-based team at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Super Eagles B endured a disappointing campaign, losing 1-0 to Senegal in their opening match before suffering a 4-0 defeat to Sudan, which sealed their early exit. A 2-0 win over Congo in their final group game proved inconsequential, as the team had already been eliminated.

Babayaro, a 1996 Olympic gold medalist, attributed the team’s struggles to flawed preparation and questionable selection processes. “The team failed from the start because camping was done at a facility owned by an individual who also has a club, and his coach was included in the national team setup,” he said. “That is unacceptable in a country as big as Nigeria. Having six or more players from one club undermines the balance of the squad.”

He further pointed to the team’s uninspiring pre-tournament friendlies, including back-to-back draws against Zanzibar, as early warning signs.

Ajilore, a former Super Eagles midfielder, questioned the criteria used in selecting players for the squad. “If the coaches truly picked the best from the league and this was the outcome, then we need to examine the quality of the league itself,” he noted. “But if they didn’t, then the selection process was flawed. Either way, the foundation is weak, and it reflects on the results.”

He emphasized the need for reforms in Nigeria’s domestic league, insisting that proper player scouting and merit-based selection are vital if the team is to perform better in future tournaments.

Nigeria’s latest failure at CHAN has once again reignited debates about the state of the local league and its ability to supply competitive talent for international competitions.