Former Nigeria international Sam Sodje in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has backed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle’s decision to include Paul Onuachu in Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa, Sodje said the Trabzonspor striker deserved his place in the squad despite not featuring in any of Nigeria’s qualifying matches.
Onuachu has not played for the Super Eagles since appearances against South Africa and Benin Republic in June, but was selected ahead of Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare, Celtic’s Kelechi Iheanacho and Werder Bremen striker Victor Boniface.
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The 30-year-old has been in impressive form for Trabzonspor this season, scoring 11 goals in 15 matches, and Sodje believes that club form should be rewarded.
“Anyone who is playing well at their club deserves a chance in the national team,” Sodje exclusively told Footy-Africa.
“Yes, it hasn’t worked out for him with the national team in the past, but he is playing very well at the moment. We are also trying to ensure that our team is not a one-man team that depends solely on Victor Osimhen.”
Sodje added that Onuachu could help ease the goalscoring burden on Napoli striker Osimhen.
“If someone can come in and share the goalscoring responsibility, I think it would be a great addition,” he said. “Considering the kind of season he is having, I hope he gets an opportunity to play.”
The former defender also reflected on Nigeria’s recent struggles, pointing to poor results and ongoing issues around unpaid salaries and bonuses, which he said had affected preparations.
Nigeria recently failed to qualify for a second consecutive FIFA World Cup following disappointing results in the qualifiers.
Sodje admitted he was unhappy about Nigeria’s qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations, claiming the tournament could distract from deeper problems within the country’s football system.
“I’m not happy that we are going to the AFCON because I see it as a distraction,” he said. “I believe the Nigeria Football Federation needs to fix our football, although I still hope the team performs well at the tournament.
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I wish we were not going to the competition so we could focus on fixing our football. It may sound harsh, but it is the truth. I don’t think people realise how low Nigerian football is at the moment, which is why I believe the tournament serves as a distraction from reality.”
Despite his concerns, Sodje remains hopeful for progress.
“Hopefully, they can go there and go one step further than they did last time,” he concluded
