Former Nigeria international Yakubu Aiyegbeni has publicly challenged Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle regarding his player selection policy, specifically criticizing the repeated but unused call-ups of Tanzania-based goalkeeper Amas Obasogie. Aiyegbeni voiced his concerns during a candid discussion on the popular Home Turf podcast, where he scrutinized the rationale behind inviting a player who consistently remains on the bench without playing time.

The central figure in Aiyegbeni’s critique is Amas Obasogie, the 22-year-old goalkeeper for Singida SC in the Tanzanian Premier League. Despite receiving multiple call-ups from Coach Chelle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Obasogie has yet to make his senior debut for the national team, consistently serving as an unused substitute.

Aiyegbeni, a prolific goalscorer for Nigeria and former striker for clubs like Everton and Portsmouth, argued that the historical tradition of including home-based players in the national squad should carry more genuine intent. He suggested that Obasogie’s inclusion appears to be a superficial gesture rather than a meaningful opportunity for player development. Aiyegbeni explicitly questioned the coaching staff's scouting process, stating, “We all know that historically, the coaches put in one or two home-based players. But you [Coach Chelle] brought in a goalkeeper from Tanzania, Amas Obasogie. We have keepers here [in the Nigerian league]. My question is, did you actually watch him play in goal before calling him up?”

Expressing deep skepticism, Aiyegbeni implied that the selection was not based on direct observation or firsthand scouting. He asserted, “He has not watched him.” Aiyegbeni further elaborated on his point, stating, “So, if the plan is to give a local player experience, why not bring one of the goalkeepers performing here in Nigeria? That would at least give a domestic-based talent that exposure and boost the local league.”

This pointed critique highlights a growing concern among Nigerian football pundits and fans regarding the Super Eagles' selection criteria. With established goalkeepers like Francis Uzoho and Maduka Okoye typically holding the primary positions, the role of the third-choice goalkeeper is frequently viewed as a crucial developmental slot. Aiyegbeni’s comments frame Obasogie’s continued presence in the squad as a missed opportunity to foster talent within the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). By selecting a player from another African league who is not actively contending for a starting role, Aiyegbeni believes the coaching staff is neglecting a vital chance to nurture a goalkeeper from the domestic league, thereby weakening the connection between the national team and its local foundation.

As of the current time, neither Coach Eric Chelle nor the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a public response to Aiyegbeni’s direct questions, leaving the debate surrounding Amas Obasogie’s place in the Super Eagles squad unresolved and open for further discussion.