With the World Cup qualifiers scheduled for March 21 and March 25, Super Eagles coach Chelle is preparing to finalize his 23-man squad by March 17. This decision will involve trimming down the provisional list by approximately 16 players, leaving many fans eager to see who will make the cut and who will miss out.
Among the provisional squad are four home-based players who have impressed in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL): Kayode Bankole of Remo Stars, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi from Enugu Rangers, Papa Daniel Mustapha of Niger Tornadoes, and another standout performer. Despite their strong performances at their clubs, these players might not make it to the final squad due to the depth of talent available in the Super Eagles lineup. The competition for places is fierce, and it appears that experience and international exposure may play a significant role in Chelle's decision-making process.
Injury has also played a part in shaping the squad. Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is one player whose name is likely to be absent from the final list. Okoye has been sidelined since December after undergoing surgery for a ligament injury in his right wrist. While his recovery has been progressing well, he is not expected to return to action until April, making him unavailable for the upcoming matches. Similarly, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who plays as a number 10 for Lazio, sustained an ankle sprain during a Serie A match against Venezia on February 25. Although reports from Italy suggest he might recover before the international break, his chances of making the squad remain slim unless he experiences an extraordinary recovery.
Another player facing disappointment is Akor Adams, Sevilla's new signing. The former Montpellier striker picked up an injury during training in February and has yet to regain fitness. His Super Eagles debut may have to wait until he fully recovers.
Form and consistency are also key factors influencing Chelle's decisions. Players like Kelechi Iheanacho, Ahmed Musa, Paul Onuachu, and Cyriel Dessers are at risk of missing out due to their struggles with form and inconsistent performances. Iheanacho had a tough time at Sevilla before moving to Middlesbrough in January, where he has faced challenges with regular playing time. This raises concerns about his match readiness for the qualifiers.
Ahmed Musa, the team's captain and most-capped player, remains an important figure in Nigerian football. However, his limited game time at Kano Pillars and the emergence of younger attacking options could jeopardize his place in the squad. Onuachu, once a prolific scorer in Belgium, has struggled to replicate his success at Southampton, while Dessers has had an up-and-down season at Rangers and has yet to make a convincing case for inclusion.
Other players who might not make it include Umar Sadiq, Joe Aribo, Chidera Ejuke, Alhassan Yusuf, Christantus Uche, and Igoh Ogbu. With such fierce competition for spots in the final squad, Chelle faces tough choices as he prepares to announce his selection.
Fans eagerly await March 17 to see which players will represent Nigeria in the crucial World Cup qualifiers. The decisions made by Chelle will undoubtedly shape the team's chances as they aim for success on the global stage.
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