By Daily Sports Nigeria on March 17, 2023

Fans query coach over delayed list

Ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea Bissau in March, Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, has invited 23 players to execute the double-header clash against the Djurtus.

The list was released by the media team of the Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday.

The Portuguese tactician handed captain of the Nigeria U-20 side that finished third at the recently concluded Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt, Daniel Bameyi, his first Eagles call-up alongside team goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso while in-form Rivers United goalkeeper Victor Sochima.

Peseiro also invited team captain Ahmed Musa, in-form forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman while Leicester City Wilfred Ndidi and Leganes defender Kenneth Omeruo, who last featured for the Eagles in the first qualifier against Sierra Leone, also return to the squad.

Portugal-based defender Bruno Onyemaechi gets an opportunity to vie for shirts against Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Kevin Akpoguma and Calvin Bassey.

Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi is also back, and Alex Iwobi, Joe Aribo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Terem Moffi and Paul Onuachu are also called up for the encounter.

Meanwhile, fans have queried Peserio’s late submission of the Eagles squad list while their counterparts named their squad for the clash last Saturday, March 11.

Speaking with PUNCH Sports Extra, Seun Popoola said, “Why are things always different when it comes to Nigeria?

“While our opponents have dropped their list since last week we are just releasing ours a week before the game and players are expected to start arriving in the country from Sunday. We need to change our ways.”

Olumide Babatope added, “Things were almost similar to what we experienced under (Gernot) Rohr, is it a tactical thing that we don’t know or it is just our nonchalant attitude because most countries even in Europe had released their lists since last week.”

“As it was with Rohr, so it is with Peseiro. We have waited and it took longer than expected to have the list announced by the NFF,” Rita Akintoroye said.

“Except I am wrong or there is something I don’t know I think this is coming a bit late and we deserve an explanation from Peseiro and the NFF.”

Nigeria and Guinea Bissau clash at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja next Friday before they both face off again at the Estadio 24 de Setembro in Bissau three days later.

The invited players are expected to start arriving at the team camp in Abuja on Sunday.

Nigeria currently top their Group A with six points following wins over Sierra Leone in Nigeria before thrashing Sao Tome and Principe 10-0 away from home.

Victories in the double header clash against Guinea-Bissau will put the three-time Africa champions in a good position to pick the ticket to Ivory Coast next year.

Source Punch Ng

Posted March 17, 2023

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