With Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin fast approaching, head coach Finidi George faces the tough task of trimming his provisional squad. By March 17, only 23 players will make the final cut for the fixtures on March 21 and 25. So, who’s likely to miss out?
Home-Based Players Face the Chop
Despite their impressive performances in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), local stars like Remo Stars’ goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Enugu Rangers’ Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, and Niger Tornadoes’ forward Papa Mustapha are at risk of missing the final squad. With a stacked Super Eagles lineup featuring Europe-based talents, breaking into the final 23 could be a tough battle for these homegrown prospects.
Injury Concerns: Okoye, Dele-Bashiru, Akor Adams in Doubt
Udinese’s Maduka Okoye is set to miss out due to a lingering wrist injury, keeping him sidelined since December. The shot-stopper isn’t expected back until April, making his selection unlikely.
Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is also a major doubt after sustaining an ankle injury in late February. Though there’s hope he could recover in time, his lack of match fitness may rule him out.
Akor Adams, the former Montpellier striker now with Sevilla, remains out of action after picking up an injury in training. His Super Eagles debut may have to wait.
Underperforming Stars at Risk
Several big names, including Kelechi Iheanacho, Ahmed Musa, Paul Onuachu, and Cyriel Dessers, face the axe due to inconsistent form.
- Iheanacho, struggling for game time at Middlesbrough after a difficult spell at Sevilla, may not be at peak match fitness.
- Musa, the Super Eagles captain, remains a respected figure but has seen limited action, which could see him dropped in favor of younger, more in-form options.
- Onuachu has struggled to make an impact at Southampton, while Dessers has had a mixed campaign at Rangers, failing to impress in national colors.
Other Potential Omissions
Players like Umar Sadiq, Joe Aribo, Chidera Ejuke, Alhassan Yusuf, Christantus Uche, and Igoh Ogbu are also on the chopping block. With competition for places fierce, these names may not make the final cut.
As the countdown to the qualifiers begins, all eyes are on Finidi George’s final squad announcement. Who will make it? Who will be left out? March 17 will provide all the answers.
