The list of 23 players who will represent Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers games against Guinea Bissau was released earlier today by the Nigeria Football Federation.
Head coach Jose Peseiro was credited as the one who compiled the list and OGN editor in chief Mohammed Mowiz takes a look at some players who shouldn’t have made the list.
Kenneth Omeruo, Semi Ajayi- The duo played a combined 244 minutes since the start of the year spread over eight games. Last weekend was the first time they both completed 90 minutes. How they made the team with such poor numbers should raise questions. Particularly as they are into their late 20’s like the first choice ahead of them. What’s the plan for the future if back ups are the same age or older than the regulars.
Frank Onyeka – He only made his return yesterday after a four months absence. How was he picked ahead of Innocent Bonke who has been a regular Ligue 1 side Lorient this season. As a matter of the fact, aside from Alex Iwobi the rest midfielders called up namely Wilfred Ndidi and Joe Aribo have not played a game in the last three weeks.
Ahmed Musa, Paul Onuachu: Musa has played ten minutes in the last seven games at Turkish side Sivasspor. He has played one minutes each in his last three games aside not getting off the bench in back to back games.
Onuachu hasn’t hit the group running at Southampton and should have been allowed to sort himself in his new environment following his deadline day move to the English side.
