Former Nigeria winger Tijani Babangida has revealed how Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials reportedly blocked an attempt by former coach Clemens Westerhof to remove defender Michael Emenalo from Nigeria’s 1994 FIFA World Cup squad to accommodate him.

Babangida made the revelation while reflecting on the selection controversy surrounding Nigeria’s historic first appearance at the World Cup in the United States.

According to the former Ajax Amsterdam winger, Westerhof considered sacrificing Emenalo, who was a defender, after facing pressure to find a place for him in the final squad.

However, the proposal was rejected by federation officials, who insisted that Babangida, an attacking player, could not take the place of a defender.

The former Nigeria international explained that Finidi George and Victor Ikpeba were already ahead of him in Westerhof’s pecking order for the right-wing position, making his inclusion a difficult decision.

“Clemens Westerhof had no option but I came in at the last minute and Nigerians felt I had to go the World Cup,” Babangida said on the Home Turf Podcast.

He further disclosed that Westerhof was reluctant to drop Ikpeba and subsequently considered Emenalo as an alternative.

“He told them he could drop Emenalo because he is from the defence. They told him no that I am an attacker,” Babangida recounted.

The disagreement meant Babangida was not officially registered as part of Nigeria’s playing squad for the tournament, despite travelling with the team to the United States.

Interestingly, the former winger revealed that he remained fully integrated into the squad throughout the competition, participating in training sessions and sharing accommodation with his teammates.

“I was with them, trained and slept with them. We do everything together except going to the field,” he said.

Nigeria’s decision to retain Emenalo eventually proved significant when first-choice left-back Benedict Iroha suffered a groin injury during the Super Eagles’ memorable 3-0 victory over Bulgaria in the group stage.

Iroha was ruled out for the remainder of the competition, creating an opportunity for Emenalo to provide defensive cover during Nigeria’s historic campaign.

The Super Eagles went on to reach the Round of 16 in their maiden World Cup appearance, where they lost 2-1 to Italy after extra time.

Babangida’s disappointment in 1994 did not end his international ambitions, as he eventually earned his place in Nigeria’s squad for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.

The winger featured in all four matches played by the Super Eagles at France ’98 and scored Nigeria’s only goal in their 4-1 Round of 16 defeat to Denmark.

His latest revelation offers another insight into the selection pressures surrounding Nigeria’s celebrated 1994 generation, a squad that combined established stars with emerging talents to win the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia before making an impressive impact on the world stage.