Why I Did Not Invite Boniface, Orban, and Akpom – Peseiro

Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has revealed the reasons behind the omission of Victor Boniface, Gift Orban, and Chuba Akpom from Nigeria’s squad for Sierra Leone AFCON qualifiers clash.

Nigerians were shocked when the 23-man squad was released without the inclusion of Victor Boniface, Gift Orban, and Chuba Akpom who ended the season in top form.

Victor Boniface was Europa Conference League top scorer with 6 goals from 10 games, and he also helped Royale Union SG secured a Europa League place.

Gift Orban helped Gent book a place in the Europa Conference by scoring 15 in 16 league games, and contributing 22 goals (20 goals, 2 assists) in 22 games in all competitions.

Chuba Akpom the championship player of the season and top scorer with 28 goals was also not included to the amazement of the fans.

But Jose Peseiro has explained what led to their omissions.

“I visit them. I was in England, I was in Spain, I was in Italy. I visited them from my pocket,” said Peseiro after Super Eagles training.

“For that I will like to call them but if I call them, I will have to drop some of these players like you know I can only call 19 foreign based players.

“I believe in the local players but our federation (NFF) is not in a good financial situation for that, so because of that I can only call 19 players from outside Nigeria.

“If I have the space to call more players, Orban, Boniface or more players I can call but I understand the situation and our NFF say I can only call 19 players”.

Nigeria and Sierra Leone clash at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia on Sunday, 18 June, as Sierra Leone do not have any stadium in their country approved for international matches.