AFCON: Nigerians question Musa’s inclusion, six players’ absence

The head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, recently revealed his final 25-man squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. However, the selection has faced criticism from Nigerians on social media, particularly questioning the inclusion of Ahmed Musa and the absence of six players – Kelechi Nwakali, Olisa Ndah, Terem Moffi, Gift Orban, Nathan Tella, and Cyriel Dessers. Some social media users also expressed concerns about the midfield’s lack of creativity, despite featuring players like Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo, and Frank Onyeka.

Agendang reported that Peseiro announced the squad last Friday, with Chippa United keeper, Valentine Nwabili, being the only new addition. Captain Musa and his assistant, William Troost-Ekong, were also named in the squad. The team will commence preparations for the competition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on January 1, and is placed in Group A alongside hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. The Super Eagles’ campaign for a fourth AFCON title kicks off against Equatorial Guinea on January 14.

Several reactions on social media highlighted dissatisfaction with Musa’s inclusion and the perceived lack of creativity in the midfield. Some users expressed concerns about the squad’s composition, emphasizing the absence of certain players and the apparent imbalance in positions.