2025 AFCON: What Late Stephen Keshi Told Me About Corruption In Team Selection – Mikel

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has disclosed what the late former Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, told him regarding corruption in the team selection process.

Mikel made the disclosure while drawing a comparison between Keshi’s squad and Nigeria’s team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

According to Mikel, Keshi told him that highly placed individuals attempted to influence his selection, but the late coach resisted the pressure and selected players purely on merit.

“I remember the late Stephen Keshi when he wanted to make his World Cup selection, called me up and say Mikel, I want to make the squad but these f****s keep calling me trying to influence my decision,” Mikel said on his Obi One Podcast.

“They say I have to pick this player but you know me, I will always do what’s right and I will pick the players that I think deserve and will go and help this country do well in the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles already have 25 players in camp as preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations intensify in Egypt.

Nigeria are scheduled to face Egypt in a friendly match on Tuesday before travelling to neighbouring Morocco for the tournament.

The Super Eagles will play Tanzania, Uganda and Tunisia in Group C of the AFCON.

Nigeria’s campaign begins against Tanzania on December 23, followed by matches against Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30.