Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has come under scrutiny following his decision to exclude in-form striker Kelechi Iheanacho from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tanzania, with former internationals Sylvanus Okpala and Abiodun Obafemi among Nigerians questioning the decision, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The omission has particularly raised eyebrows because of Iheanacho’s impressive resurgence at Turkish second-division side Bursaspor, where he has established himself as one of the most prolific forwards in the league this season.

The 30-year-old has scored 17 goals and provided three assists in 14 league appearances, taking his overall goal contributions to 20 in as many matches. His latest strike came in Bursaspor’s 1-1 draw against Antalyaspor on November 6.

His remarkable form has also attracted attention from Nigerian supporters, many of whom expected the former Leicester City and Manchester City forward to earn a place in Chelle’s selection, particularly with first-choice striker Victor Osimhen unavailable through injury.

However, the Malian tactician opted for six forwards, including Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Taiwo Awoniyi and Moses Usor, leaving out Iheanacho alongside other notable attacking options.

But while Osimhen’s situation is beyond the coach’s control, Iheanacho’s exclusion has generated a different conversation, with questions being raised about the criteria used in selecting the attacking players.

Former Super Eagles midfielder Okpala believes the final decision rests with the coach, although he admitted that Iheanacho’s performances should have earned him a place in the squad.

Okpala, who was part of Nigeria’s team that won their maiden AFCON title in 1980, also served as an assistant coach under the late Stephen Keshi when the country won the competition for a third time in 2013.

Speaking with PUNCH Sports Extra, the former international said Chelle would have his reasons for leaving out the striker, based on how he wants his team to operate tactically.

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“Well, the coach is always the one who decides and he must have his reasons surrounding how he wants the team to play and operate under his tactics that made Iheanacho miss out. I wonder why as well. It is the coach that we will have to ask.

“His performance in Europe should have earned him a spot in the final list, but it is left to him to continue banging in his goals and maybe he’ll get a call-up next time,” Okpala said.

Obafemi, was more forthright in his assessment, insisting that a player’s scoring form should take precedence over the division in which he plays.

Obafemi, who was part of Nigeria’s historic Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medal-winning team, believes Iheanacho’s experience and current performances make him a worthy candidate for the national team.

He argued that the striker’s familiarity with the Super Eagles and his ability to find the net should have worked in his favour, especially with Osimhen unavailable.

“Well, he’s a player we know very well who has been part of the national team for a while. It doesn’t matter if he’s in the second division or anywhere he is.

“His scoring form should always be the yardstick and we are all seeing what he is doing so far this season, so I think he should be there, even as Osimhen is absent with injury,” Obafemi said.

Nigerian football supporters have also taken to social media to express their displeasure with Iheanacho’s omission, with several questioning why his impressive club performances have not translated into another national team invitation.

One supporter, Cena’man (@ESSIENCENA), wrote on X, “Iheanacho deserves a call-up. He is currently on form and knows African football well.”

Another supporter, Uche (@WIZEINTHEBEAT), urged the striker not to be discouraged, recalling his contributions during Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.

“Dear Senior Man Iheanacho, keep your head up. You’re goated. Nothing do you.

“I remember the World Cup qualifiers Iheanacho was part of; we qualified with ease. He scored in the very first game against Zambia. He is a serial winner!” he wrote.

Hakeem Musa (@HakeemMusa99769) also questioned the decision, arguing that Iheanacho’s experience and football intelligence should count in his favour.

“He has no reason to drop him. Iheanacho is very intelligent and experienced. You need players with experience and ball sense to win matches for you. Individual brilliance is a big plus to any team and he got it. Chelle is not a smart coach,” he wrote.

Similarly, Oluwapelumi (@GoShele) questioned the coach’s decision to overlook the striker despite his consistent goalscoring, writing, “Iheanacho keep on banging goals, and this coach keeps ignoring him.”

The omission has added to the debate about whether Chelle is placing greater emphasis on tactical suitability, competition level or other considerations beyond players’ current club performances. No official explanation has been given for Iheanacho’s exclusion.

Nigeria face Tanzania in a crucial double-header, hosting the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Zanzibar for the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17.

The Super Eagles are second in Group L with three points after two matches, having defeated Madagascar 2-1 before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.

With Tanzania already assured of a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts, Nigeria will be looking to collect maximum points from both encounters to strengthen their qualification hopes.

For Iheanacho, the immediate task will be to maintain his impressive scoring form at Bursaspor and give the coach another reason to reconsider his position ahead of future international engagements. (PUNCH)