A member of the Super Eagles backroom staff has explained the reason for Brentford loanee Frank Onyeka’s exclusion from the squad for the upcoming matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Onyeka, who played a key role in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final, was notably left out of the squad, with sources revealing that the decision was based on tactical reasons.
Speaking to Torizone, the insider explained, “The omission of Frank Onyeka, currently on loan at German side Augsburg, was purely tactical. Coach Chelle is focusing on a possession-based style of play and believes that Alhassan Yusuf and Papa Daniel are better suited to the system for these games.”
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Yusuf, who plays in the MLS, was preferred alongside Daniel for the midfield spots in Onyeka’s absence.
Other notable omissions include Cyriel Dessers, who has scored 22 goals for Rangers in Scotland. Dessers was overlooked in favor of younger striker Tolu Arokodare, who is preferred as the fourth-choice forward over the 30-year-old Dessers, who has six caps and two goals for Nigeria.
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was also excluded due to his recent return from a wrist injury that sidelined him since last year. The coaching staff wants him to be fully fit before rejoining the squad. The same applies to Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Defender Gabriel Osho was another surprising exclusion, with Ogbu being chosen in his place, largely due to Ogbu’s superior ball-playing abilities.
