Former international goalkeeper Ambrose Vanzekin has voiced his disappointment over Kelechi Iheanacho’s exclusion from the squad for the World Cup qualifiers. Vanzekin stressed that while fresh talent is important, the contributions of experienced players should not be overlooked.
“I’m just angry that they could have still included Iheanacho into the team. The team is okay, but we can’t just forget about the old boys entirely. We need to still remember what the old players have done for us. We need one or two experienced players to be in the team, like the way others are there,” Vanzekin said.
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Ambrose Vanzekin, is known for his contributions at youth level and in domestic football. He began his professional career with Plateau United before moving to Bendel Insurance in 2006. After a stint at Akwa United in 2008–09, Vanzekin joined Warri Wolves, where he played until his retirement in 2015.
At the international level, Vanzekin represented Nigeria across various youth categories. He was part of the Nigeria U-17 team at the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship, the U-20 team that finished as runners-up at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, and the U-23 team that won a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
Following his playing career, Vanzekin transitioned into coaching, taking up roles to mentor the next generation of goalkeepers. His journey, marked by both personal and professional challenges, continues to inspire many in Nigerian football.
His comments highlight the growing debate on squad selection as Nigeria aims to build a balanced team for the challenging qualifiers. According to Vanzekin, blending youthful energy with veteran experience is key to sustaining success on the international stage.
