Nigeria Football 360

Much ado about the 23 man Super Eagles Squad to face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the world cup 2026 qualifiers. A lot of talk on social media and the press surrounding the first Super Eagles selection by Eric Chelle. Many have made noise about certain players whom were expected to make the squad but didn’t.

Here are 9 players who could have made the list but didn’t, they however, show the strength in depth that is growing amongst the player ranks and the competition for places that has arisen.

1. Frank Onyeka (Augsburg, FC Germany). A Super Eagles regular with 26 caps for the Super Eagles was a surprise omission, particularly as he is in fine form for his clubside in the German Bundesliga. Speculation is, he misses out on tactical reasons based on the way the coach wants to play
2. Maduka Okoye (Udinese Italy). Another player who was seen to be a nailed on certainty to make the squad. Fitness concerns most likely the reason for his omission. He returned to action for his club the evening before the squad announcement was made. Maybe a little too late to make adjustments to the squad.
3. Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland). Ranked second in the current season amongst Nigerian strikers in Europe. He was named in the expanded provisional list, however, trimmed at the final selection. Will be seen as very unlucky to be cut from the list given his 22 goals and 7 assists this season, only Victor Osimhen has scored more goals this season
4. Gabe Osho (Auxere, France). Made his debut for the Suuper Eagles in the AFCOIN qualifiers in November 2024 and expected to return and add to his caps. A surprise omission.
5. Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain). His move to La Liga and late return to form, seeing his score the lone goal of the match a day before the final list was announced raised hopes of a late crash to the party. However, given the growing options on the wings it was not unexpected
6. Adebayo Adeleye (Enosis Neon Paralimni, Cyprus). Another player with limited opportunities with the Super Eagles over the years, with only one cap since June 2023 despite the goalkeeping department undergoing changes. Another unlucky to be trimmed from the 39 man provisional list
7. Chuba Akpom (Lille, France). One whom has not gotten a callup for several years despite switching allegiance from England to Nigeria, despite Nigeria desperately searching for players who can fill in at number 10. He was quoted as saying to be ready for whenever he is finally called up.
8. Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain). An emerging midfielder playing in La liga. When his name was on the provisional list he got a lot of positive comments as he is a player that fits right into a department that needs shoring up in the Super Eagles. At the young age of 21 his time will surely come.
9. George Ilenikhena (Monaco, France). An outlier, born in Lagos the 18 year old is hard to ignore. Hopefully he will get a chance with the Super Eagles, even if only for a closer look.