In a surprising move, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has unveiled his final 23-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, notably excluding seasoned players Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho. This decision has sparked widespread discussions among fans and analysts alike.
Significant Omissions
Ahmed Musa, the team’s captain and a veteran with over a decade of international experience, was initially included in the 39-man provisional list but did not make the final cut. Similarly, Kelechi Iheanacho, currently with Sevilla, was also omitted. Both players have been instrumental in past national team successes, making their exclusion particularly noteworthy.
Coach Chelle’s Rationale
Appointed in January, Eric Chelle is tasked with revitalizing the Super Eagles’ World Cup campaign. Under his leadership, the team has secured only 3 points from four matches, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin, each with 7 points. Chelle’s selection reflects a strategic shift, emphasizing current form and fitness over past accolades.
The Final 23-Man Squad
The finalized squad comprises:
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)
Defenders:
William Ekong
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Bruno Onyemaechi
Calvin Bassey
Olaoluwa Aina
Igoh Ogbu
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi
Raphael Onyedika
Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi
Alex Iwobi
Joseph Ayodele-Aribo
Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
Forwards:
Samuel Chukwueze
Victor Osimhen
Ademola Lookman
Victor Boniface
Simon Moses
Sadiq Umar
Nathan Tella
Tolu Arokodare
Notably, the squad includes two players from the Nigerian Premier Football League, underscoring Chelle’s commitment to integrating domestic talent.
Upcoming Fixtures
The Super Eagles are set to face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21, followed by a home match against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on March 25. These fixtures are pivotal, as the team seeks to improve its standing in the qualifiers.
Fan Reactions
The exclusion of Musa and Iheanacho has elicited mixed reactions from fans and pundits. Some support Chelle’s decision, emphasizing the need for form-based selections, while others express concern over the absence of experienced leadership. Discussions continue across social media platforms, reflecting the nation’s deep investment in football.
Looking Ahead
As the Super Eagles prepare for these crucial matches, the focus shifts to the selected squad’s performance. Chelle’s bold choices signal a new direction for Nigerian football, aiming to blend emerging talent with established players to achieve World Cup qualification.
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Written By Fortune Davidson