Nigerians question decision to leave Onyeka and Dessers out of Super Eagles’ 23-man squad for World Cup qualifiers
Nigerians have raised concerns and voiced their opinions after the announcement of the Super Eagles’ 23-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The decision to drop Augsburg midfielder Frank Onyeka and to include Alhassan Ibrahim has caused a stir among fans, while the omission of in-form Glasgow Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers has left many questioning the choices, especially with out-of-form Victor Boniface making the list.
One of the most debated decisions was the exclusion of Frank Onyeka, who has been a key player for his club. Fans were surprised by his absence, especially when Alhassan Ibrahim, who has not had the same level of impact recently, received a call-up. There was also disbelief over Cyriel Dessers, who has been performing well in the Scottish Premiership with Glasgow Rangers, not being selected, while Victor Boniface, who is yet to hit top form, was included in the squad.
Here are some of the comments from Nigerians reacting to the squad:
-
Chukwudi Okafor (Lagos): “It’s hard to understand why Frank Onyeka was dropped. He’s been solid for Augsburg. Meanwhile, Alhassan Ibrahim hasn’t done much recently. I just don’t get it.”
-
Ngozi Udo (Abuja): “Victor Boniface has been off form for a while now. I don’t know how he’s making the squad ahead of someone like Cyriel Dessers, who’s been in great form at Rangers. There’s something off about this selection.”
-
Tolu Adebayo (Port Harcourt): “Onyeka has been consistent for Augsburg, and yet he’s left out? I also don’t see why Boniface, who hasn’t been at his best, is in the squad when players like Dessers are overlooked.”
-
Adaeze Okoro (Enugu): “I’m happy for the players chosen, but there are some confusing calls. I would have liked to see Dessers get a chance, especially when he’s been scoring goals. It’s a strange decision to leave him out.”
-
Emeka Nwachukwu (Kano): “Alhassan Ibrahim’s inclusion is puzzling. We all know he’s talented, but he hasn’t been playing regularly. I’m not sure he deserves a place over players like Frank Onyeka.”
The squad, which includes goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, and Kayode Bankole, also sees the inclusion of defenders like William Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Bruno Onyemaechi, while midfielders like Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo are part of the selection. In attack, star players like Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Tolu Arokodare make the list.
Despite the mixed reactions, the focus now shifts to how these choices will perform in the must-win qualifiers for the Super Eagles.
