Eguavoen’s Super Eagles Squad for Libya Clash Raises Eyebrows: Iheanacho, Chukwueze, Awoniyi Omissions Spark Debate

Lagos, Nigeria – Augustine Eguavoen’s 23-man squad for the Super Eagles’ upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Liby

     

     

Snubbed Stars

1. Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City) – 15 goals, 5 assists in 32 appearances for Leicester City last season.
2. Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal) – 10 goals, 4 assists in 30 appearances for Villarreal last season.
3. Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest) – 10 goals, 3 assists in 32 appearances for Union Berlin last season.

The trio’s exclusion has left fans and pundits bewildered, considering their impressive performances in European leagues.

Reasons Behind Omissions Unclear behind Eguavoen’s decision

Eguavoen cited “tactical reasons” and “fitness concerns” for Iheanacho’s omission, but sources close to the team suggest otherwise. Chukwueze’s absence is reportedly due to injury, while Awoniyi’s exclusion remains unexplained.

Reactions

• “Iheanacho’s omission is a mistake. He’s one of our best strikers,” said former Super Eagles captain, Jay-Jay Okocha..
• Chukwueze’s injury is a blow, but Awoniyi’s exclusion is puzzling,” added football analyst, Segun Olatoye.
• “Eguavoen’s squad selection lacks coherence. Iheanacho, Chukwueze, and Awoniyi would have strengthened the team,” said sports journalist, Tunde Adelakun.

Squad List
Goalkeepers

1. Francis Uzoho (Omonia Lefkosias) – 14 clean sheets in 25 appearances.
2. Maduka Okoye (Watford) – 10 clean sheets in 25 appearances.
3. Adewale Adeyinka (Akwa United) – 5 clean sheets in 10 appearances.

Defenders

1. William Troost-Ekong (Salernitana) – 30 appearances, 2 goals.
2. Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest) – 25 appearances, 1 goal.
3. Calvin Bassey (Ajax) – 20 appearances, 1 goal.
4. Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion) – 35 appearances, 4 goals.
5. Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganés) – 25 appearances, 1 goal.

Midfielders

1. Joe Aribo (Southampton) – 25 appearances, 2 goals.
2. Alex Iwobi (Everton) – 30 appearances, 2 goals.
3. Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) – 30 appearances, 2 goals.
4. Oghenekaro Etebo (Aris Thessalonikis) – 20 appearances, 1 goal.

Forwards

1. Victor Osimhen (Napoli) – 20 goals, 5 assists in 30 appearances.
2. Emmanuel Dennis (Nottingham Forest) – 10 goals, 3 assists in 25 appearances.
3. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta) – 10 goals, 3 assists in 25 appearances.
4. Cyriel Dessers (Cremonese) – 10 goals, 2 assists in 20 appearances.
5. Umar Sadiq (Real Sociedad) – 5 goals, 2 assists in 15 appearances.

Upcoming Fixtures

• Nigeria vs. Libya (AFCON Qualifier) – October 13, 2024 (Uyo, Nigeria)
• Libya vs. Nigeria (AFCON Qualifier) – November 17, 2024 (Benghazi, Libya)

AFCON Qualification Standings

• Group C: Nigeria (7 points), South Africa (4 points), Libya (3 points), Zimbabwe (1 point)

You can read stories: Alonso’s Blueprint: Boniface Told to Improve Key Aspect to Emulate Drogba’s Success