2023 AFCON Qualifiers: Peseiro reveals why he snubbed Chuba Akpom for GB clash

Akpom has been in spectacular form this season, but he is yet to find favor with Peseiro

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has revealed that he decided to snub red-hot Nigerian striker Chuba Akpom for the Guinea-Bissau game because he does not have confidence in him.

Middlesbrough striker Akpom has undergone a massive turnaround this season. The 27-year-old hitman used to struggle for goals, but this season, they have come by the truckload.

Akpom currently leads the English Championship goalscoring charts with 25 goals in 34 games for Boro. And he is almost singlehandedly dragging the team to Premier League promotion.

With his rich form, it was expected that he would get a call-up to the Super Eagles for the double-header against Guinea-Bissau. Paul Onuachu has struggled recently, and Akpom was expected to fill in for the off-color Southampton man.

However, Peseiro had other ideas, and he chose not to invite the London-born striker.

Speaking on his decision, the Portuguese tactician revealed that he decided to snub Akpom because he does not have confidence in him.

“If I ask everybody to choose their 20 players, everyone would not pick the same players,” Peseiro said at the pre-match presser.

“I am a coach, I choose the best players for my team. But if I ask other people, they would have their own opinions.

“I know my job, I know my players, I visit them. If I choose a player, then it is because I know him more than others. I am the coach, if I lose, it is my neck that will be cut.

“On each weekend, we watch 48 matches at least to monitor our players. Akpom is a good player, but I don't have enough confidence in him.

“However, something could still happen, because the National team is open to everybody,” Peseiro added.

Despite Akpom's absence, Nigeria is fully stocked in the attack. Osimhen and Moffi would be looking to do the damage in front of goal whenever the opportunity presents itself.