Peseiro was also chastised for leaving out some players for the tournament taking place in Ivory Coast
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has come under heavy criticism on social media after releasing his final 25-man squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
TheNiche had earlier reported that the Portuguese on Friday unveiled 25 players who will represent Nigeria at the biennial competition.
Chippa United keeper, Valentine Nwabili made the cut for the first time and he is the only new face on the list.
Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa and his assistant, William Troost-Ekong were also named.
However, after the squad was announced, Nigerians trooped to several social media platforms to question Ahmed Musa’s inclusion.
They also wondered why Peseiro left out the likes of Kelechi Nwakali, Olisa Ndah, Terem Moffi, Leon Balogun, Gift Orban, Nathan Tella and Cyriel Dessers.
ALSO READ: Enyeama shares cryptic post on Eagles’ return, leaves fans confused
Some fans faulted the midfield selection that boasted the likes of Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo and Frank Onyeka, saying it lacked creativity.
Taking to X handle (formerly Twitter),
@_mykhaxl, wrote: “Look at that midfield and then Ahmed Musa.”
Also slamming the list, another netizen @chuccofficial, said: “Musa on this list is embarrassing to say the least. Leke Ojo is another embarrassment. The whole list is predictable anyways. Thin as usual.”
Worried about the number of midfielders picked @Skaeiyrecszxx tweeted:“Why do we always do this rubbish? Just 5 midfielders and 8 forwards. When there is no creativity in the game the coach will sub in 2 attackers to replace two midfielders. I am already tired in advance.
@lasb_ph expressed a similar sentiment saying: “Again, just 5 midfielders. We are not making it out of the group stage. Left Nwakali for Aribo, okay.”
Another internet user, @Tawo_sam, added: “So shameful! Everything about this country is ruined by politics. Ahmed Musa and Sadiq Umar over Moffi is such a terrible decision, It’s bewildering.”
While @iam_krypticmoh, said: “Ahmed Musa has played a total 237 minutes (4 games) of football since August 2023. Terem Moffi, Akor Adams, Gift Orban, Nathan Tella etc all left out. Nigerian football Politics.”
Nigeria will begin preparations for the 2023 AFCON in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on January 1.
Peseiro’s men are in Group A with hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.
They will, however, start their quest for a fourth AFCON title against Equatorial Guinea on January 14.
