Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro made the decision to exclude Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi, and a few other players from the 23-man squad for the final game of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying round against Sao Tome and Principe.
This decision sparked reactions from Nigerian football fans, despite the match being a dead rubber. Nigeria has already secured their place in next year’s competition in Ivory Coast, but they need a point to secure the top spot in the group ahead of Guinea-Bissau.
According to reports on OwnGoal Nigeria, there is a specific reason behind the omission of these five senior players from the squad.
Musa, the captain of the Nigeria National team, was unable to be selected due to a knock he picked up in his first league game of the season with Sivasspor.
Unfortunately, he was forced off in the 64th minute and did not recover in time to join the Super Eagles squad for their final AFCON qualifiers.
Similarly, Iwobi found himself in a similar situation. Although he recently completed a move from Everton to Fulham, he is currently unavailable for selection due to an injury. It’s unfortunate timing for him, as he would have likely been eager to contribute to the team’s success in this match.
In addition to Musa and Iwobi, Kenneth Omeruo, a former Chelsea defender, was also missing from the squad due to a suspension for the game.
Furthermore, Bright Osayi Samuel, a defender from Fenerbahce, is unable to participate due to an injury. Even FC Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi, who is a regular in the Nigeria National Team, is ruled out of the tie due to an injury.
It will be recalled Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro had named Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and 22 others for the weekend’s AFCON qualification final encounter against São Tomé and Príncipe in Uyo.
The match is set to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Sunday, 10 September, 10th of September.
