Captain William Ekong, wing-back Olaoluwa Aina and forwards Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi are back in the Super Eagles’ nest, for next month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
This year’s AFCON’s Man-of-the-Competition, Ekong, was discountenanced for the Matchdays 3 and 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying race in June as he was recovering from injury, while Aina, Awoniyi and reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen were out injured altogether.
There are three goalkeepers, including AFCON 2023 star, Stanley Nwabali, seven defenders, six midfielders and seven forwards.
Bendel Insurance safe hands Amas Obasogie also returns, just as South Africa-based defender Olisa Ndah, and Taiwo Awoniyi, who has not been called since the 1-1 draw with Lesotho in Uyo on Matchday 1 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in November last year.
The Super Eagles go up against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September, before flying to Kigali to take on the Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, 10th September.
Read Also:2025 AFCONQ: Rohr To Unveil Squad Thursday Ahead Super Eagles Vs Benin Republic
All the players are expected to report in Uyo on Monday, 2nd September.
THE FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC)
Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)
66 Comments
A good list, no doubt. Although I was hoping Ejuke would make a comeback. I like the composition of the 3 goalkeepers. I think it reflects the best 3 we currently have.
This is supposedly Eguavoen’s list, unvetted by Bruno I guess. Looking forward to any new additions/discoveries Bruno makes when he comes in, plus the assistants he’ll work with.
Looks more like an eguavon’s list but still a good mixture of our players..
Looking at the picture that followed the list and wondered whst the Tanzania guy was doing there are the expense of an olisa ndah a consistent player in south Africa..
Appointing our coach late is the reason we are not seeing new boys and why a players like desser, akpom were not considered and awonnyi was invited showed the Nigerian factor of always ignoring merit at the expense of favoritism..
It’s a good thing we now have a foreigner who will call only the best players based on current form and not for other reasons..
Still a Good squad though!
STILL A GOOD LIST BUT SOME OTHER CONSISTENT & TOP FORM PLAYERS LIKE AKPOM, DESSERS, MAJA, EJUKE SHOULD BE COMPENSATED BY INVITATION(just like Olisa Ndah) AHEAD OF INCONSISTENT & BENCHWARMER.
### INVITATION ON MERIT IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS FOR QUALIFICATION
Good luck Eagles!
What is Awoniyi doing in that list for god’s sake??? Someone who has proven time and time again not to be a super eagles material, still trying to find his footing after the long injury layoff has been suddenly hurled back into the team. Same goes for simon moses. What about Dessers and ejuke who have at least been seeing games time at their clubs???? I really don’t understand the rational behind Their invitation. As far as i’m concerned, they both are match rusty and might tend to be liabilities to the team. Still the original me #oakfield
Ejuke doesn’t deserve to be in the list.. what has be done for his new club Sevilla since signing for them..
All our strikers invited are not on form while some are match rusty.. I think it is particularly dangerous to invite top 9 who have been starting games for their club ( osihmen, awonyi and iheacho) one reason no local coach should near the team for now.. they are not ready for such a job as difficult as the super eagles coach..
You ignore, desser , maja, and akpom who are starting games every week and not just starting scoring lots of goals for their club for players who are sitting on the bench.. thank God the German came in before eguavon and co will finish what finidi started few months ago..
I honestly wish them well but we should be rewarding hard work and consistency be inviting at least one of the several players going well at the moment.
So finidi was sheepishly goaded into inviting 4 homebased players during his time….LMAOoo
Even Eguavoen as TD of NFF never dares invite 4 homebased players to the team .
anytime he is in caretaker role
Dude always invites the best complement of Nigerian players from wherever they
@oakfield longest time happy to hear from you.
My man @stan, good to hear from you too. No mind csn and odegbami..
Eguaveon is at it again. This is another influenced list with questionable selections. Imagine picking Ndah over Osho, Balogun and Akpoguma, picking Yusuf that has not kicked a ball for his new team over Aribo that has been enjoying regular game time, picking Awoniyi over Dessers and Akpom who have both been scoring for fun. Dropping Tella for the inconsistent Chukwueze. Why pick Osimhen who have never kicked a ball since last season? We understand that Lookman has played this season and has been involved in preseason matches. Oga. NFF sha!
Not a bad list. I hope Awoniyi justifies his inclusion this time around. Humble, likeable lad, but has not impressed in the SE jersey so far. I wish him well this time around.
Ejuke’s exclusion…hmmm. He still needs to work on his end product. That’s the issue. He has all this skill and ability. We need to see more goals and assists from him.
One thing to note. Labbadia was a top striker in his hey day. He was also very good at bicycle kicks. Perhaps he can give Osimhen a few pointers? Hahahaha!
Labbadia in an interview mentioned that he would consider using Osimhen on the right wing, to take advantage of his pace. So don’t be shocked if you see an attack of Lookman, Boni and Osimhen one of these days.
I am not surprised with the list at all.
Eguavon and his members have done it again. All they care about is their pockets not Nigeria and Nigerians.
How long do we have to be patient for seeing this shameful display of the NFF and the government officials?
They lied to us that we are going to get 24/7 electricity, good roads and other infrastructures but are we enjoying anything yet Nigerians?
The only thing that putting smile on our faces these NFF officials are doing everything to destroy it.
Where is our inform players? Dessers, Akpom, Tella?
Nigeria is finished only God can revive the country. Fingers crossed. Eguavon, history will remember him and his troops. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!
@omo9ja,I thought “mr total football” was a genius?
Honestly speaking the list is good but our problem is more of administrative and not talent wise as chief adeboye Onigbide stated. I would have loved to see Ejuke and Benjamin Fredricks or Cyriel Dessers in place of Awoniyi based on current form. 23 man list would have done more good than 20 man list.
Oops 23 listed and no place for the inform guys. Anyway let the game begin I’m sure the coach will do a proper scout after this series of matches.
Mostly bench warmers, whats that cry baby looking for in the team. Rubbish list this coach is ready to part with his salary.
Not really a bad list but its obvious that 3 players are undeserving of invitation (Chukwueze, Onyeka, and Kelechi).Based on current form and minutes played for their clubs in recent games, the following players would not have made the list:
1. Aribo for Onyeka: Aribo has started all the matches with over 140 mins of action good ratings, Onyeka is warming the bench in the same league
2. Tella for Chukwueze played less than 20 mins in his club last match and he has been getting low ratings in Serie A and underperforming in SE matches, Tella has Bern more active in Bundesliga
3. Dessers for Iheanacho,: Iheanacho has carried his bench warming durlties from the premiership to SerieA and an in-form Dessers deserves to be considered ahead of him.
Finidi exposed the babies of oga at the top and it’s becoming obvious that these underperforming players are getting invited due to Godfatherism.
You do have a point but your comments are too Yoruba biased!You seem not to like anything “Igbo”!Always moaning and agonising seeing players from the South East making the list of invited players.Why didn’t you mention Awoniyi on your list of non performing professionals at the moment?Or you forgot?
If you’re giving the opportunity,99% percent of your invitations will come from the SW..
Greenturf thank God you spoke for me today. The guy is a clown is he’s anything to go by, such a Garri soaking mentality. If we love Lookman Balogun and etcetera I wonder why he will hate Chukwueze and co. Lol this narrates the Nigeria of today where Yorubas are scared of Igbo during election and obstruct them from voting by using criminals and Hoodlums.
You are no different to a tribalist and an ethnic bigot with those words. How dare you generalize all Yoruba people? I have always had respect for you on this forum but with the words u just spoke, I don’t think you can absolve yourself of tribalism. Alot of we Yorubas don’t like Tinubu and his administration so for you to just blurt out “Yorubas” is outrightly wrong. I can generalize igbos all day for bad things that a few igbo men did but I will not indulge in bigotry or tribalism
Shut your mouth no wonder you’re called fanatic full of shitty ideas you’ll never make any sense for all you think. In Lagos who does the stealing and Hoodlums is it not Yorubas??? Listen well I never want to delve into ethnicity but if you bring your nonsense here you’ll be stripped naked. I am Lagos born all the way from AJ city Ajegunle so I am in a better place school you on this subject. Usually people judge me here as rude but that’s because the nature of people I meet here sometimes are not correct people. In a realistic world I hardly meet the kind of people I meet on CS and that I understand that is why I don’t seek or cry for approvals.
Go cry for all I care But some Yorubas are the problems Nigerians are facing today. I say some because I still have some quality Yoruba friends out there and here that are resourceful and productive unlike the imbeciles that are tribal and dying at the mention of Igbos. Go and hang yourselves because we don’t care about your sentiments as you don’t count or matter. Your power ends at the streets of Lagos, Ogun and Ibadan.
Mr man you have stylishly corrected yourself by saying “Some Yorubas”….Something you should have originally said rather than barking like a rabid dog…You do show characteristics of being born in the ghetto lol no wonder you are so angry. Your ego is just too big to accept that you cannot generalize all Yorubas in your tribalistic madness. You’re one of those lol….It will be a futile effort going back and forth with you…. Oloriburuku omo AJ city
Fear catch you Yeye dey smell. Fk you till thy kingdom come!!!
@chima and greenturf, I thought i was the only one that observed this. It is pitiful that we still have people with so much hatred for another tribe for no just reason around. He can’t even hide it anymore. Every time he writes, he tries to flash his tribalistic instincts that have gone out of control. That has always been his trade mark but matter no what, no man can curse people wey God don bless. The more u hate and try to pull them down, the higher they rise above stronger.
*if
Drop Kelechi and Chukwueze for who?? Serie A and Laliga players?? I can understand Tella maybe, but what has he done in a SuperEagles shirt?? Including Dessers?? Abeg talk something else. Kelechi started for his club last night. The only fatal omission is Ejuke. The others are average at best.
You just enjoy twisting your mouth with lies. Were you not the person calling out Finidi for not calling Tella. Now you asking what has he done for the National team. wooow.
Where and when did I call out Finidi for not calling Tella? Abi you don drink expired kunu? Tella was called by Finidi and he declined the invitation for personal reasons or you were in cubicle at the time?? Or you want to comment for comment sake. Oga face front if you don’t know what to say here.
Sevilla is in Serie A and Iheanacho actually played the first 62 mins of their last game. This guy is somehow just biased
I meant to say so Sevilla is in seria A now @Larry????? na wa oh
When is akpom going to get his chance. When is desser going to get called up because of his good form. Agreed he has not done well whenever he is called up but at least he should get rewarded for his form. Awoniyi too has not done well.
When are we going to see Osho, ogbu and tourinaya get integrated into this team.
Is Ajayi active.
I hope Oshimen is not match rusty. I hope he does avoid this invitation again.
Well I hope things work well. But anytime we try not reward good form and hardwork, we delete something from the efficiency and the future.
Nigeria, hmmm! U go dey complain, sorry, explain taya
List is ok. It does have Eguavoen written all over it though. Well we need our most experienced players to start the qualifiers then the new gaffer can start easing them out little by little by injecting new younger talents who are good enough and ready to take the mantle. We can’t afford to start the AFCON qualifiers on a bad note. Goodluck to the team. I only worry about the exclusion of Ejuke. Dessers had his chances and fluffed it. Let him focus on scoring goals for Rangers. I only want to see Osho, Ogbu, Tella and Possibly Akpom in future lists.
Kelechi played Sevilla first match with a good rating coming from the bench and the coach rewarded him with a starting spot today but his performance was below average, ejuke on the other hand would have been the MOTM against Villarreal if not for ayoze late winning goal and he played real well today as well, so for me ejuke would have been in the team but again are we gonna remove Moses Simon and lookman from the list for him? Dresser sure deserved to be there as well even ahead of VO who haven’t played a single minutes or even participate in pre-season, what’s the logical reason behind his invitation at the very moment?
It is a good list. Nothing much to complain about.
I am just a bit disappointed that Ejuke and/or Tella didn’t make the list. We got Lookman and Simon holding down the left wing, and just the inconsistent Chukwueze at the right wing. I think an Ejuke or Tella would have been great inclusion to give Samu a run for that right wing position. Deploying Iheanacho there in the past hasn’t been consistently effective. Unless they are thinking of using Iwobi there as well. But who knows.
Anyway, there is always tomorrow.
I wish the invited players the best.
Same shit, this team is tried and tested they can’t bite, we need more young fresh legs.Bruno, Iheanacho, Yusuf wasted spots. Yes Ejike is better addition.
@mercy go still dey explain like an explainer while the ship keep soaring. SoarEeaglrs
I just feel that Tella is being punished for pulling out of the team in the last couple of matches. Chukwueze and Kels really need to sit up.
I don’t think anyone enjoys contentious arguments or verbal attacks but it when people give verbal attacks and you ignore them, what happens is that it gives room for more nonsense. I don’t feel good whenever I wake up to enjoy my Nigeria sports news only to read certain negatives. To make matters worse is that I feel filthy after exchanging this verbal words with people I honestly have nothing against. Just saying this because CS is becoming toxic and more toxic as the day goes by due to incessant verbal attacks from strangers to strangers. If I’m not attacked I don’t believe I will attack back anyone but all this has to stop because there’s more to life than what we are doing out here which is supposed to be fun and relaxing.
Chima. Happy to read this from you. I have always talked about this. I wonder we can feel fulfilled when we curse and abuse because we are behind a phone or computer.
Some people are big cowards they won’t be able to say a word when they see you physically.
It’s really worrisome to see how Nigerians curse and abuse on social media. Have we completely lost our sense of brotherliness and reasoning?
Lots of people don’t know that what you sow is what you reap applies even with what you write against another person.
Chima I salute your post. I pray our tribe will grow online.
I know some people here who have never cursed or abused. One of them is omo9ja. Thumbs up.
We still dey fight o. If you settle one matter another person throws another stone…. Lol everyone wants to be heard and accepted today for example Fanatic wants to show me why he is fanatic by forcing his ideas on me.
Who are these uncultured and feeble minded elements trying to intimidate ?
I’ve raised a point about unjustified invitation of certain players who have been rather below par for the national team as well as their club sides in recent years..
You think you are wiser than other people, you continued to play ethnic jingoism but lack the mental uprightness to counter my comment with technical input.
You rejected the invitation of Musa for being inactive but saw nothing wrong with Kelechi getting invited even when he was warming the bench in a second division Leicester and seems to carry the same over to Sevilla.
You claimed Aribo is not worthy of invitation cuz of his last game but refused to shine the lights on Chukwuezes lack Lustre performance for club and country.
You see no reason in Aribo getting invited over Onyeka when it’s obvious aribo has played 100% more minutes than Onyeka in the same EPL.
I suggested Tella in place of Chukwueze, Aribo for Onyeka, and Desseers for Kelechi based on current form. Counter my comments with sensible thoughts and not emotions.
If we really care about the team, then we should be honest about our reactions.
What has Dessers done in a SuperEagles shirt lately? Let him score 100 goals in the Scottish league he’s not better than Kelechi in all ramifications. Kelechi has scored goals in the premier league and he has played in his clubs last two games in LaLiga. Tella was on the bench throughout in the Bundesliga opener for Leverkusen. I like him in the team but he’s not better than Chukwueze who’s had some minutes in Serie A already this season. Lmao!! You will a benchwarmer in bundesliga ahead of someone who has featured in some capacity for his club in Serie A?? How smart are you?? Lmao!!
Aribo was a shadow of himself in his last outings for the SuperEagles and he was culpable for Forest goal over the weekend so you have absolutely no point putting him ahead of Onyeka. If you want to continue to be tribalistic na your own problem be that. You facts are invalid.
And if you feel intimidated that’s your personal vendetta we are here talk football bring superior facts to counter your arguments. Nobody has a monopoly of football knowledge. But your arguments are totally flawed.
@Larry
please riddle me this,
If Kelechi is not to be invited because he is a bench warmer (even though the contrary is the case since he has played games this season), then what do we say about Osimhen? On what merit is his invitation?
Better yet Why is Awoniyi invited? He has played approximately 32mins this season.
Do you logically think Aribo has fared better in the Super Eagles compared to Onyeka?
Can you sincerely say, Dessers was irrationally unfair? If so, how many more chances does he need to prove his quality in the Super Eagles?
These are but a few questions I hope you help me answer.
Can you sincerely say not inviting Dessers was irrationally unfair?…..
@Hush, Osimhen’s case is different because he is fit and transfer saga is the only reason he is not playing.
If there is another attacker plating in a top 4 league and performing better than Awoniyi, I would be the first to list him. Currently, Osi, Awo, and Boni are the only top 9 playing in top 5 leagues. They have all performed creditably well in the last 2 seasons.
Onyeka really stepped up at AFCON and but dropped in recent games.Aribo trolly lost form due to inactivity and yours sincerely questioned his invitation them. But, with what I’ve seen in recent EPL matches, he deserves to be invited.
Like Kelechi and Chukwueze, Dessers had not lived upto expectation for the national team. But if Chukwueze and Kelechi continued to be considered despite their below par performances in national team and club actions, Dessers deserves a look too.
@Larry, God bless you
more. I am highly satisfied with your response.
I don’t need to say anything again because you have answered those questions with logical details.
I hope some people on this platform will learn a lot in this conversation on how to be answering questions without abusive words. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!
Okay, let’s use your logic which is very far from normal ethics.
Let’s start with Kelechi, you based your support on his performance in Super Eagles. When last did Kelechi perform above average in a major Super Eagles match (not friendly).
You are ranting about Aribo’s game, I’ll advise you to go watch AC Milan first match of the season and see how unreliable Chukwueze can be, the reason why he lost his place in the starting 11 for Serue A game.
You are talking about Tella, who has continued been overlooked but has performed way above Chukwueze and Kelechi combined on current form.
May be you should show superior argument by countering the following points I’ve raised.
I. Aribo has played more than 100% more minutes than Onyeka in the same EPL and better rating.
2. Tella gas played more minutes per match than Chukwueze and Kelechi.
3. Based on performances in the last Super Eagles matches, Kelechi and Chukwueze have been below par.
Besides, based on current form Osho, Ogbu, and Balogun are the top 3 most active central defenders for Super Eagles. Why are they not considered.
I have complained countless times about the continued absence of Ogbu in the SuperEagles lists. Osho was invited for the friendlies in March. I don’t think he honored the invitation due to injury if I’m not mistaken.
Aribo to be honest hasn’t covered himself in glory as a SuperEagles number 10 since over a year ago. Hopefully when he gets another opportunity he will grab it.
Kelechi scored away against Zimbabwe to rescue a point for us. He was injured before the AFCON and in the few minutes he played he made an impact. Scoring the winning penalty against SA. Had an half chance in the final that was blocked.
Chukwueze still provided the assist for Onyedika against Benin republic. You said Tella has played a lot in preseason Abi? But you forgot to mention that Chukwueze featured in all the preseason games for AC Milan and has also featured in the league while Tella was on the bench in the Bundesliga. Abi na lie??
In terms of experience and even current form Chukwueze and Kelechi deserve to be in the team ahead of Tella and Dessers. Balogun will depend on the new gaffer if he needs him. We all know this list is Eguavoen list. But it’s basically the fairest we can offer at this point except for the exclusion of Ejuke.
Not even only for super eagles, even at his club, what nonsense is he playing? I’ve tried to figure out that dude style of play but can’t placed it, a midfielder that hardly touch the ball and when he does,it’s one touch, [dnt let it spoil in my hand] kinda game, that he is playing regularly for Southampton does not made him a good midfielder, they said in the city if the blind, one eye man would easily be the king.
Thank you @Ayphillydegreat
Couldn’t have stated it better.
Logically speaking, the list is ok.
There is no perfect out there but this is good enough.
The season just got started. There is a new coach . For now let’s make use of this and see what tomorrow brings. There are much more games to play. Hopefully, those deserving would get their call up and have the turn to serve. If not, we ask rational questions and criticise .
Hello Beauties xxx. Lovely comments from beautiful men. My boyfriend is loving it. A blow of kisses to you all. Keep it coming. Xxx
Nice to have my man, Ayphillydegreat back here fully, I hope.
Understands the game and is fair and balanced.
Lobatan!
Ayphillydegreat knows nothing about football. He is one of the people who make me stop commenting on Nigerian football. We will soon ban him from here.
LMAO! Igbekun my guy alias Aromimawe Alebiosu Lmao! I don miss you brother mi. How you dey?
@TONY I appreciate you my G. No animosities just straight up facts.
Hahaha!!
@Ayphillydegreat, great stuff!
@Larry
In reponse;
I partially agree with you.
Osimhen would always be one of the first names on my list.
But my take is, If Osimhen that hasn’t had a game this season and an Awoniyi, that hasn’t been really clinical recently, can both be invited based on their precedence, how much more Kelechi and Chukwueze. Why can’t we give the same level of trust to both?
I have labeled both inconsistent, but they have been vital in the not-so-distant past. In fact, I dear say, Chukwueze did well in the last international matches. And everyone knows what Kels can do on any good day. So, both call up are justifiable. At least in my book.
Dessers is player I appreciate and like every Nigerian out there, I want to succeed. But how many opportunities does he need to prove to us he belongs in the Eagles because he has been given countless chances and he hasn’t impressed. And that is fact. So, his omission is understandable.
I would rather you speak on inviting a player like Akpom, who might not be playing in a top 5 league, but keeps scoring goes for AJAX, a much bigger team in a better league than Glasgow Rangers, and a reputable team with international glory. Chuba Apkom hasn’t been given a fair chance in the Eagles, so why not clamour for him rather? That will be rational thing to do if we are crying for Dessers. But hey, what do I know.
I will say it again. Except for the omission of Ejuke or maybe, Tella, this list is ok. ıt can’t be favourable to all. There is no perfect list out there. But in my opinion, this list is fair.
There is a new sheriff in town, we should wait to see what he does in the future.
@Larry
I partially agree with you.
Osimhen would always be the first name on my list.
But my take is, If Osimhen that hasn’t had a game this season and an Awoniyi, that hasn’t been really clinical recently, can both be invited based on their precedence, how much more Kelechi and Chukwueze. Why can’t we give the same level of trust to both?
I have labeled both inconsistent, but they have been vital in the not-so-distant past. In fact, I dear say, Chukwueze did well in the last international matches. And everyone knows what Kels can do on any good day. So, both call up are justifiable. At least in my book.
Dessers is player I appreciate and like every Nigerian out there, I want to succeed. But how many opportunities does he need to prove to us he belongs in the Eagles because he has been given countless chances and he hasn’t impressed. And that is fact. So, his omission is understandable.
I would rather you speak on inviting a player like Akpom, who might not be playing in a top 5 league, but keeps scoring goes for AJAX, a much bigger team in a better league than Glasgow Rangers, and a reputable team with international glory. Chuba Apkom hasn’t been given a fair chance in the Eagles, so why not clamour for him rather? That will be rational thing to do if we are crying for Dessers. But hey, what do I know.
I will say it again. Except for the omission of Ejuke or maybe, Tella, this list is ok. ıt can’t be favourable to all. There is no perfect list out there. But in my opinion, this list is fair.
There is a new sheriff in town, we should wait to see what he does in the future.
Osimen resemble Iheanacho or chuckwueze’s mate? Osimen can decided not to honour any invitation be it in the club or national call up but will still be picked ahead of your flukes. You are there typing without information. Osimen is World number8 besides being APOTY. Go figure before bringing ya tribalistic non starters here.
Wow seriously!Please have respect for this fella
@Hush,I agree with some of your points but my emphasis remains that players invitation should be based on a combination of club activities and last performance in national team matches.
I quite agree with the point of Dessers inconsistency as possible reason for his omission but the point still remains that same yardstick should be applied to all the players. Kelechi with an abysmal performance against S.Africa to the extent that Finidi yanked him off the matchim and stuck him to the bench against Benin. Chukwueze is the most inconsistent of all the invited players in national team matches. Do you know his goal or assist per match ratio ?
How many more opportunities does he need to prove he belongs?
Preferential treatment does not only affect the national team as it leads to redundancy and decline in ranking. In most cases, the beneficiaries are often faced with the burdens of overcoming the adversity of being a shadow of their market projection leading to regression and low productivity in their clubsides.
It appears to me that Finidi’s revelation of oga at the top boys could be true afterall.
@Larry
ı appreciate the fact, we are now having a constructive conversation and asking logical questions, which can only be beneficial to us all. Unlike someone right there intentionally misreading (or maybe you are just ignorant) my post alluding that I am comparing Osimhen to anyone else. That is laughable and dishonest. But I digress.
Like I have always stated, I find Iheanacho and Chukwueze quite inconsistent but that doesn’t undermine how vital they’ve been in the past. Chukwueze did fairly good in the last matches we had. And this is factual. He has some 5 goals in 35 matches for Eagles almost similar ratio of goals to a Moses Simon in lesser match time, with the latter playing over 70matches and scoring some 9goals. As one can see, even if it is not up to expectations, Chukwueze return is not bad as a winger in comparisons to other much praised wingers.
And sometimes, it isn’t all about the goals and assists, one could be spark that leads to the goals and assists. Iheancacho and Chukwueze have done this in the past. On a good day, we all know how dangerous they can be. My only grudge with both is their inconsistency but I don’t doubt their talent and deliverables. So ı doubt if their call up is preferential treatment. It is just based on past precedence of what they can do.
Are the duo untouchable? Off course not. If there is better out there, ı would willingly clamour for them to be excused and dropped. Hence the reason, ı am pained that Ejuke and Tella weren’t invited. ı feel they could be a shoe in for Chukwueze. But the coaches thought otherwise.
My point still remains, the list is ok. Not perfect but ok. Let’s see what the future brings as we got a new coach in charge and the season just got going.
‘Unlike someone right there intentionally misreading (or maybe you are just ignorant) my post alluding that I am comparing Osimhen to anyone else. That is laughable and dishonest.’..
this is not aimed at you @Larry
Aribo needs to really step up his game to merit further invitation to the SE.
His first couple of games against Ukraine and Brazil were by far his best games. Since then, dude has simply not been good enough. Lethargic, feeble, dull. He is often completely overwhelmed in the midfield, especially by African opposition.
He needs to get his energy and stamina back to acceptable levels to be considered for future SE invitations.