Super Eagles coach Peseiro explains non-inclusion of Orban and Torunarigha against Sao Tome

Gift Orban and Jordan Torunarigha recently received their first Super Eagles call-up to face Sao Tome and Principe in their final AFCON qualifiers 

Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, has shed light on why new invitees, Gift Orban and Jordan Torunarigha, did not feature in the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualification match against Sao Tome and Principe, Soccernet.ng reports.

The highly-anticipated debut of the two KAA Gent stars for the Super Eagles did not materialize, as they did not get a minute on the field representing their country.

The 2013 AFCON champions hammered Sao Tome at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium with a score of 6 goals to nil, but they did without the help of Orban and Torunarigha.

Meanwhile, Peseiro speaking to the media, clarified that Orban experienced muscle pain, and it was imperative to follow the club’s rules, which required permission to field a player with an injury.

“Orban felt pain in the muscles. He cannot play with an injury because we have to take permission from the club. We have a good relationship with the clubs,” Peseiro explained.

Meanwhile, Jordan Torunarigha, the former Hertha BSC star who recently expressed his intention to play for the Super Eagles, had to wait for his chance.

Peseiro pointed out that he had limited substitutions in the match and that Torunarigha would have his opportunity in the future.

“About Jordan, I can put eleven players with five substitutes. Onyedika came two times and for the first time he played, Tyronne also. Jordan was the first time; he has time.”

The Super Eagles secured a comfortable victory over Sao Tome and Principe, concluding their AFCON qualification group with 15 points.

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.

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  • Your explanation is unacceptable. It was just an makeshift match that new players were supposed to be used as experiment. The Super Eagles had already qualified for the afcon tournament and there wasn't any dicey situation.

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