Yakubu Questions Super Eagles Coach Over Obasogie Inclusion

Former Super Eagles and Everton striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has voiced sharp criticism regarding the selection criteria of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, specifically challenging the inclusion of Tanzanian-based goalkeeper Amas Obasogie in the national squad for the recent 2026 World Cup qualifiers and playoffs.

Speaking on the Home Turf podcast, Yakubu questioned the rationale behind bypassing domestic talent in favor of a goalkeeper who has not yet made his senior debut despite receiving numerous call-ups. Obasogie, who currently plays for Singida SC in the Tanzanian league, was handed eight call-ups by Chelle but ultimately did not feature in the crucial World Cup fixtures.

Yakubu drew a contrast with established national team practice, noting, “Historically, the coaches put in one or two home-based players.” He then directly challenged the coach’s decision: “You [Chelle] brought in a goalkeeper from Tanzania, Amas Obasogie. We’ve keepers here. Did you watch him in goal before?”

The retired striker’s frustration stemmed from the belief that Chelle may be selecting players based on inadequate assessment, particularly questioning the coach’s personal knowledge of Obasogie’s performance. “He has not watched him. Why not bring one keeper here to give him experience?” Yakubu queried, suggesting the opportunity to nurture local talent is being missed by selecting an unproven foreign-based player.

Obasogie is understood to be down the pecking order in Chelle’s current selection of goalkeepers for the Super Eagles, further fueling Yakubu’s argument that his repeated inclusion in the squad, despite a lack of game time, is unwarranted when domestic players could benefit from the exposure. The comments highlight the ongoing national debate regarding the balance between selecting foreign-based and locally based players for the Super Eagles.