In anticipation of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic, the Nigeria Football Federation has unveiled the roster for the Super Eagles, setting the stage for both excitement and disappointment.
Led by head coach Finidi George, the squad comprises 23 players, with familiar faces like Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze, and the Bayer Leverkusen duo, Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface, among those called up.
However, amidst the anticipation, the absence of certain key players has sparked discussions. Notably missing from the roster are stalwarts like team captain Ahmed Musa and AFCON’s Most Valuable Player, Williams Troost-Ekong, raising questions about their future with the national team.
Experienced defender Kenneth Omeruo’s exclusion has also raised eyebrows, while the likes of Cyriel Dessers and Joe Aribo find themselves left out despite recent stellar performances in their respective clubs.
In a surprising twist, the left flank sees the absence of Ola Aina, with Remo Stars’ Sodiq Ismael called up as a replacement, while Real Sociedad’s Umar Sadiq misses out altogether.
The decision to omit Taiwo Awoniyi, just returning from injury, and to opt for Kelechi Iheanacho over him, despite limited playtime at Leicester City, adds further intrigue to the selection process.
With a mix of established stars and fresh talent, the Super Eagles face an exciting yet challenging journey in their quest for World Cup qualification. As they gear up for battle, the absence of familiar faces serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of football’s competitive landscape.
