News

Why I did not call Orban, Boniface and Chuba Akpom to the Super Eagles squad- Jose Peseiro

Gift Orban, Victor Boniface, and Chuba Akpom have been outstanding for their clubs, notching several goals which might also play a crucial role for the Super Eagles when they face Sierra Leone

Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro provided detailed insight into his decision to exclude Gift Orban, Victor Boniface, and Chuba Akpom from the Nigerian national team squad set to face Sierra Leone, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Portuguese manager’s explanation shed light on financial constraints, his preference for familiar players, and his unwavering belief in the abilities of the sidelined talents.

The 63-year-old manager recently listed his roster to face Sierra Leone on the 18th of June for their match-day five encounters of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

But, the absence of Orban and Boniface, who were firing on all cylinders for their respective clubs, baffles many football fans who are puzzled by the decision.

The manager, speaking on his decision to reporters, highlighted his personal efforts to assess the players in their respective clubs.

“Orban and Boniface could come for the camp, even I went to visit them from my pocket. I was in France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and England,” Peseiro shared.

While acknowledging the potential of Orban and Boniface, Peseiro revealed that limited resources compelled him to call up only nineteen foreign-based players for the crucial encounter against Sierra Leone.

“If I could invite more, of course, Orban, Boniface or others would have been called up,” he emphasized.

“I believe in them. They must still work well in their clubs. They have an opportunity to play for the national team because they are quality players,” Peseiro stated.

Despite their impressive performances, Peseiro faced the difficult task of selecting a squad that already had a strong understanding of his tactical approach.

“I cannot choose five strikers. Some players don’t spend anything, I spend for them,” he explained.

Addressing comparisons between Orban, Boniface, and established names like Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Osimhen, the former Sporting CP boss clarified, “Musa is a winger, not a striker. You cannot compare Musa with Orban or Boniface.”

While the players might feel disappointed at not receiving the call-up, Peseiro assured them of their potential future involvement, emphasizing their impressive performances and the impact they had made.

“Boniface and Orban, the others, have time for sure because I believe in them, and for that, I visited them. They did a fantastic job,” he added.

The Super Eagles stars need at least a draw against Sierra Leone to guarantee their ticket to feature in the AFCON tournament slated to hold in Côte d’Ivoire.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

View Comments

  • NFA needs to sack this unexperienced coach they hired, he doesn't even know the caliber of players to invite.

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

WATCH: Dribble-king Chidera Ejuke shows Akor Adams the ropes in first Sevilla training

Nigerian striker Akor Adams had his first training session with Sevilla on Friday, and he… Read More

1 hour ago

“I’ve been waiting since 2019” – Ex-Arsenal star declares readiness to play for Super Eagles

Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom has stated that he is still committed to playing for Nigeria… Read More

6 hours ago

“Focus 100% on Bayer Leverkusen” – Nigeria’s Victor Boniface shrugs off failed Al Nassr move

Nigeria international forward Victor Boniface insists he remains committed to Bayer Leverkusen despite his failed… Read More

7 hours ago

Kelechi Iheanacho: Will Sevilla get rid of struggling Super Eagles star before transfer deadline?

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho is in for a rapid rollercoaster ride for the next… Read More

7 hours ago

Leeds United pull plug on deal for Super Eagles striker

Three-time English Premier League Champions, Leeds United, have decided against signing Super Eagles and Sevilla… Read More

8 hours ago

Nigeria’s Osayi-Samuel lands in Mourinho’s black book as Fenerbahce boss eyes Bayern Munich star

Bright Osayi-Samuel’s future at Fenerbahce appears all but over as the Nigerian right-back is set… Read More

9 hours ago