Retired Nigeria international Yakubu Aiyegbeni has questioned manager Eric Chelle over his decision to include Tanzanian-based goalkeeper Amas Obasogie in his squads for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, including the playoffs.
The Singida SC goalkeeper received eight call-ups under the Malian tactician but has yet to make his senior debut, having remained an unused substitute in every match.
Yakubu recalled that home-based players were historically integrated into the Super Eagles during his playing days, unlike the current practice in which the three goalkeepers are usually foreign-based professionals.
“Back then when I was in Julius Berger, the Nigerian Federation used to bring home-based players to camp," Yakubu said on the Home Turf podcast.
“We would be in camp from Sunday, then at the weekend we would go back to our clubs to play, then come back.
"They were building a team, then you bring in one or two home-based players."
He noted that inviting fringe foreign-based players, especially those not guaranteed playing time, added little value to the Super Eagles.
"We brought a professional player you know is not starting a game. Give chances to one or two home-based players to get that experience in the team.
"Historically, the coaches put in one or two home-based players."
Turning his attention to Obasogie's invitation, the former Everton and Portsmouth forward questioned whether Chelle had sufficiently assessed the goalkeeper before handing him a call-up.
"You brought in a goalkeeper from Tanzania, Amas Obasogie. We have keepers here. Did you watch him in goal before?
"Fine, he was in Bendel Insurance before, but have you watched his game in Tanzania?"
Yakubu insisted that the coaching crew led by Chelle must properly evaluate players before extending invitations, especially when those players are competing outside the more closely monitored leagues.
"He has not watched him. Why not bring one keeper here to give him experience? Bring them to the team, let them train with the boys to get that experience."
The 25-year-old Obasogie is currently behind Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye in Chelle's pecking order of goalkeepers.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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