2023 AFCON Q: Coach Peseiro opens up on Terem Moffi’s exclusion from Super Eagles squad

Terem Moffi, Paul Onuachu, the yet-to-be-called Gift Orban, and Victor Boniface were not included in Jose Peseiro’s 23-man roster to face Sierra Leone

Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, has shed light on his decision to omit Terem Moffi from the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone, Soccernet.ng reports.

Speaking to Soccernet.ng, the Portuguese manager revealed that he has a provisional list that consists of 45 players, and he was forced to select the best 23 players out of this list.

The OGC Nice striker played a crucial role partnering with Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, in Nigeria’s 1-nil victory against Guinea-Bissau at the 24 de Setembro Stadium in Bissau.

Meanwhile, the 24-year-old recently had his stunning overhead strike against FC Basel named the Europa Conference League Goal of the Season.

This, however, puzzled the Nigerian football community on why the outstanding Nigerian attacker was not invited for their crucial tie against John Kiester’s men in Liberia.

The 63-year-old, speaking to Soccernet.ng revealed that he cannot call 10 strikers, and has to consider the best players from his provisional list.
“I can’t justify why I didn’t choose any player, [Terem] Moffi belongs to our list. We have a [provisional] list that consists of 45 players. These players, I believe in them, and I have confidence in them. But for each camp and match, I choose the best 19, the best 21, or 23 [players].

“Now I decided to bring Taiwo [Awoniyi], Kelechi [Iheanacho], and Victor [Osimhen]. But Moffi, Paul [Onuachu], and Cyriel [Dessers] could not come with us. I picked some strikers. But, I didn’t call Gift [Orban], I didn’t call [Victor] Boniface. We have many players, but I cannot call 10 strikers. No team can play with 10 strikers.” Peseiro said.

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Guinea-Bissau’s victory against São Tomé and Principe places them above the Super Eagles in the group, and a win would become a priority for Peseiro’s boys when they travel to Liberia to tackle Sierra Leone.