With the announcement of Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Libya, there has been a fair share of debate surrounding some selections.
Several players who have been out of form or lacking match fitness have made the list, raising questions about their inclusion. Conversely, a number of in-form players, who could have made a stronger case for selection, have been overlooked.
Here, we break down five players who arguably should not have made the squad, supported by their recent stats, and suggest five players who have performed better and deserved a spot.
Should not have made Super Eagles squad: Kelechi Iheanacho
Should've been selected instead: Tolu Arokodare
Kelechi Iheanacho’s move to Sevilla from Leicester City was meant to reignite his career after a disappointing end to his time in the Premier League. However, the Nigerian striker has found it difficult to adapt to La Liga. In the early part of the season, Iheanacho has played five matches, starting three, but his output has been underwhelming.
In these five appearances, he has yet to score or register an assist, averaging only 54 minutes per game. This lack of productivity is especially concerning given the importance of the upcoming fixtures. Nigeria will be without their talisman Victor Osimhen, and Iheanacho's form suggests he is far from ready to fill the void.
In contrast to Iheanacho, Tolu Arokodare has been lighting up the Belgian Pro League for KRC Genk. The 23-year-old striker has scored six goals in just 10 games, establishing himself as one of the most reliable forwards in the league. His ability to consistently find the back of the net, coupled with his physical presence, would have been a huge asset for Nigeria in the upcoming qualifiers.
Should not have made Super Eagles squad: Samuel Chukwueze
Should've been selected instead: Yira Sor
Samuel Chukwueze’s move to AC Milan was seen as a big step in his career, but the Nigerian winger has struggled to make an impact in Serie A. Despite his potential and reputation, Chukwueze’s performances this season have been far from impressive. He has appeared in six matches but has failed to register a goal or assist, averaging only 31 minutes per game.
Chukwueze’s inconsistency, coupled with his minimal game time, raises serious questions about his form heading into the international break. His lack of end product this season makes his inclusion in the Super Eagles squad difficult to justify.
While Chukwueze has struggled in Milan, Yira Sor has been thriving at KRC Genk. The Nigerian forward has contributed both goals and assists in the Belgian league, making him a more effective and dynamic option for the Super Eagles. Sor has made nine appearances this season, scoring one goal and providing four assists. His creativity and ability to generate big chances (six this season) would have made him a valuable addition to Nigeria’s attack.
Should not have made Super Eagles squad: Taiwo Awoniyi
Should've been selected instead: Cyriel Dessers
Taiwo Awoniyi has struggled to replicate his form from last season at Nottingham Forest, and his inclusion in the Super Eagles squad comes as a surprise. Awoniyi has played four matches this season, averaging 22 minutes per game, but he is yet to score or assist. His poor form has seen him come under fire from some Nottingham Forest fans, and this lack of output raises concerns about his readiness for the national team.
For a player expected to lead the line, Awoniyi’s performances this season have been disappointing, and his selection over more in-form strikers is questionable.
In contrast to Awoniyi, Cyriel Dessers has been in fine form this season. Playing for Rangers, the striker has found the back of the net three times in six appearances. His ability to contribute in front of goal, coupled with his consistent performances, makes him a better option than Awoniyi for Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures.
Should not have made Super Eagles squad: Benjamin Tanimu
Should've been selected instead: Gabriel Osho
Benjamin Tanimu’s recent move to Crawley Town in England’s League One has raised eyebrows, particularly as he has yet to play a game for his new club. Tanimu’s selection for the national team feels unmerited, especially given his lack of match fitness and game time.
With no matches under his belt at Crawley, it’s hard to justify his inclusion in the squad, especially when there are other defenders performing well at a higher level.
Gabriel Osho, playing for Auxerre in France, has been a consistent performer this season. The Nigerian defender has featured in seven matches, starting all of them, and averaging 82 minutes per game. Osho has shown his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, with accurate passing and solid defending.
His performances this season suggest he would have been a more reliable choice than Tanimu. Osho’s consistency and ability to read the game would have strengthened Nigeria’s defensive options.
Should not have made Super Eagles squad: Amas Obasogie
Should've been selected instead: Arthur Okonkwo
Amas Obasogie’s selection in the Super Eagles squad raises questions, especially given his recent move to Ethiopian club Fasil Ketema FC. Obasogie has yet to prove himself at a higher level, and his selection seems out of place given the availability of more exposed goalkeepers.
With no significant performances to his name, Obasogie’s inclusion feels like an attendance marker.
Arthur Okonkwo, playing for AFC Wrexham in England’s League One, has been in excellent form this season. Okonkwo has kept five clean sheets in 10 matches, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. With a save success rate of 78%, Okonkwo has proven himself as a reliable shot-stopper, making him a better option for the Super Eagles than Obasogie.
Okonkwo’s consistent performances, coupled with his experience in a more competitive league, would have made him a safer bet for Nigeria’s crucial AFCON qualifiers.