Yakubu Aiyegbeni Questions Chelle’s Goalkeeping Choice as Obasogie Awaits Super Eagles Debut

Former Super Eagles striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni has raised concerns over head coach Eric Chelle’s decision to consistently include Tanzanian–based goalkeeper Amas Obasogie in Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and playoffs despite the player having no senior appearance yet.

Obasogie, who plays for Singida SC in Tanzania, has received eight call-ups under Chelle but was unused throughout the qualifying campaign.

Speaking on the Home Turf Podcast, Yakubu expressed frustration over what he described as a questionable selection decision.

“Historically, coaches put in one or two home-based players,” Yakubu said. “You [Chelle] brought in a goalkeeper from Tanzania, Amas Obasogie. We’ve keepers here. Did you watch him in goal before? He has not watched him. Why not bring one keeper here to give him experience?”

According to reports, Obasogie remains far down the pecking order and has not featured in any match under Chelle, fueling conversations about whether his repeated invitations were based on scouting merit or simply squad-filling convenience.

Opinion: A Selection Mystery the Super Eagles Can’t Ignore

Yakubu’s criticism may sound sharp, but it taps into a bigger conversation Nigerian football fans have been having for years: transparency in player selection.

In a country overflowing with local talent—particularly goalkeepers performing strongly in the NPFL—the decision to consistently call up a foreign–league keeper who never plays raises eyebrows. Not because Obasogie lacks potential, but because potential without opportunity becomes wasted hope.

Chelle’s responsibility is not just to win matches but to build trust with fans and give deserving players the platform to grow. If a goalkeeper is good enough to earn eight invitations, surely he should be good enough to get at least one appearance, or at the very least, fans deserve a clear explanation of what he brings to the squad.

Nigeria has a history of discovering gems by giving home-based players meaningful chances. Removing that pathway—or appearing inconsistent with it—may weaken confidence in the team’s long-term planning.

At the end of the day, Super Eagles supporters don’t just want results; they want purposeful development. And perhaps Yakubu’s comments are a reminder that in national football, every selection should be justified, every talent should be nurtured, and no position should feel like a seat warmer’s spot.