Jose Peseiro, the head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, just announced his final 25-man roster for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
However, Nigerians on social media questioned Ahmed Musa’s inclusion, as well as the exclusion of six players: Kelechi Nwakali, Olisa Ndah, Terem Moffi, Gift Orban, Nathan Tella, and Cyriel Dessers.
Others criticized the midfield, which had Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo, and Frank Onyeka, stating it lacked creativity.
According to the DAILY POST, Peseiro named 25 players to the Super Eagles roster for the biennial championship last Friday.
Valentine Nwabili of Chippa United is the sole new face in the Super Eagles team.
The squad included Captain Musa and his aide, William Troost-Ekong.
On January 1, the Super Eagles will begin their preparations for the competition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Peseiro’s team is in Group A, alongside hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
On January 14, they will begin their quest for a fourth AFCON title against Equatorial Guinea.
Platinum Times brings you some of the reactions gathered on X (formerly Twitter):
@_mykhaxl, “Look at that midfield and then Ahmed Musa.”
@chuccofficial, “Musa on this list is embarrassing to say the least. Leke Ojo is another embarrassment. The whole list is predictable anyways. Thin as usual.”
@Skaeiyrecszxx, “Why do we always do this rubbish? Just 5 midfielders and 8 forwards. When there is no creativity in the game the coach will sub in 2 attackers to replace two midfielders. I am already tired in advance.
@lasb_ph, “Again, just 5 midfielders. We are not making it out of the group stage. Left Nwakali for Aribo, okay.”
@Nhlanhl74272991, “You will return after 2 games shem because why did you leave Ndah out.”
@dunmadesammy, “Just 5 midfielders and we’re pulling up with Moses Simon and Ahmed Musa in 2024? @Nike don’t give them that jersey.”
@jabarzee, “Ahmed Musa is still making the cut in 2024. It won’t be well with NFF lol. And you are not achieving anything with that midfield.”
@Tawo_sam, “So shameful! Everything about this country is ruined by politics. Ahmed Musa and Sadiq Umar over Moffi is such a terrible decision, It’s bewildering.”
@iam_krypticmoh, “Ahmed Musa has played a total 237 minutes (4 games) of football since August 2023. Terem Moffi, Akor Adams, Gift Orban, Nathan Tella etc all left out. Nigerian football Politics.”
@Fabionelli2, “Say walahi we’re heading to AFCON with Uzoho as our main GK.”
@_My_Opinion___, “Musa that hasn’t played active football in years?? Lewl! Anyways #LetsDoItAgain.”
@DerChefTheo, “Just 5 midfielders omooooo…be like na no bouncing we dey go play for #AFCON2024.”
@Henrix_Lfc, “Gift Orban: 20 apps – 11 Goals. Ahmed Musa: 24 apps – 0 goals.”
@CxllumRFC, “Cyriel Dessers doesn’t make the Nigeria squad.”
@MartinOkonkwo, “What happened to Terren Moffi?”