KAA Gent coach, Hein Vanhaezebrouck has called out the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, and Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro for inviting defender Jordan Torunarigha for the international friendly against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique this weekend and early next week respectively npflupdates.com reports.
Also read:Â Another Important Super Eagles Defender Replaces Ola Aina For Saudi Friendly
Jordan Torunarigha was in the list of players invited for the Super Eagles international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique, despite just recovering from a knock.
The former Germany Youth International was rested by coach Hein when the Belgian outfit welcomed Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv last Thursday in a UEFA Europa Conference League fixture. But the Nigerian was included and featured in Gent’s Pro League fixture against KRC Genk last weekend.
Also read:Â Super Eagles Get Defensive Boost After FIFA Approves Switch Of Jordan Torunarigha
Speaking at the pre-match press conference before the clash against Racing Genk, Vanhaezebrouck told reporters that he clearly understand the positions of national team coaches. According to him, the coaches also need to win their matches, hence they invite credible players who can help them achieve their goals.
What was said about Jordan Torunarigha Super Eagles Invitation
The tactician was quoted as saying by Het Nieuwsblad:
“You can forget that, they don’t take that into account, because they also have to achieve their goals. If our players are among the better ones in their team selection, they will play.
“It becomes especially annoying if someone has been hurt for a while but is still called up and then has to play again.”
In what looked like a shot at Nigeria Football Federation NFF, coach Hein, cried that Jordan Torunarigha isn’t paid by the football governing body.
“That player is not paid by the Federation and if we lose him and have him rehabilitated, it would be a shame if they drafted him anyway”
He added, “Fair play does not participate at FIFA or UEFA level. They advertise that, but it is actually not in their values ​​and standards.”
The full list of Invited players for the Saudi Arabia and Mozambique friendlies:
Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye, Ojo Olorunleke
Also read: Jordan Torunarigha : It’s Wonderful To Train With Big Players Like Osimhen
Defenders: Tyronne Ebuehi, Chidozie Awaziem, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Kenneth Omeruo
Midfielders: Joseph Ayodele Aribo, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Forward: Umar Sadiq, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface.
Jordan Torunarigha will presented with an opportunity to make his Super Eagles debut, after missing out during AFCON qualifier fixture last month.