Former BCC Lions captain, Bolaji Douglas, has expressed his concerns over the inclusion of Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Speaking to The Nation, Douglas questioned the presence of both players, suggesting that Musa and Iheanacho inclusion could prevent younger, more in-form talents from securing spots in the squad.
“It’s easy to spot the names,” Douglas said. “Ahmed Musa has served the nation well, but I don’t understand why he is still there. He’s blocking someone else’s position. Kelechi Iheanacho has struggled this season. These two are the main concerns.”
Douglas, who captained BCC Lions to two FA Cup wins in 1993 and 1994, emphasized that the national team should not serve as a place for players to regain form.
“The national team should never become a rehabilitation center or a place to wind down after the demands of club football,” he stated.
He also added that while it may not be the ideal time to experiment with new players, there should be no room for those who are not performing at their best.
“Now is not the time to experiment with new players, but there should equally be no room for those not on top of their games,” Douglas concluded.
Musa, Nigeria’s most-capped player with 110 appearances and 18 goals, remains now plies his trade with Kano Pillars in the Nigeria Premier Football League and has not played a competitive minute for Nigeria since 2023.
Musa, has scored six goals and provided two assists in 17 appearances for Kano Pillars this season.
The Governor returned to his boyhood club for a third spell.
Meanwhile striker Iheanacho has also struggled for form this season, he joined Sevilla last summer after leaving Leicester City but endured a torrid spell in Spain, failing to score in La Liga before returning to England on loan in January. He is yet to find the net for Middlesbrough.
Iheanacho has suffered a dip in form.
Nigeria’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, had named a 39-man provisional squad as he looks to turn things around and get the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification hopes back on track.
Chelle’s World Cup qualifying campaign with Nigeria kicks off in Kigali, Rwanda, on March 21, followed by the crucial clash against Zimbabwe on March 25 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Source: TheAthleticNG