The final 23-man Super Eagles squad for Nigeria’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe has officially been confirmed. As always, the anticipation and tension surrounding the announcement were palpable, and this time, there was more to talk about than usual.
Head coach Eric Chelle unveiled his squad on Tuesday, March 11, trimming the provisional list of 39 players to just 23. The decision was made after much discussion, and while some names may have been expected, others left fans questioning the choices made. In Chelle’s selections, a careful balance of experience and youth seems to be the priority—three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and eight forwards are on the list. The inclusion of African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, and star striker Victor Osimhen immediately caught the eye. These players, alongside the ever-reliable Stanley Nwabali in goal, represent the backbone of the Super Eagles’ attack. Defensive leaders like William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey bring stability, while midfielders like Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika continue to show their value.
But amidst the excitement and anticipation, there’s an undeniable disappointment in the air. For one, the decision to drop team captain Ahmed Musa from the final list left many fans heartbroken. Musa has been the face of Nigerian football for so long, and his omission from the final squad feels like a slap in the face for a player who has given so much to the country. It’s hard to ignore the bitterness of it—Musa was initially included in the 39-man provisional list, only to be excluded days later. How can the captain of the team be treated with such disregard?
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Musa’s contribution to Nigerian football cannot be overstated. He’s a seasoned warrior, a player who has seen it all, and a player who has earned his place in the Super Eagles history. When you include a player like him in a provisional squad, the expectation should be that he makes the final cut—unless, of course, there’s an injury or other extenuating circumstances. To drop him without warning or justification feels not only disrespectful but inconsiderate of all he’s done for the team.
As a fan, it’s hard to understand the logic behind such decisions. If Musa’s wasn’t supposed to be part of the final squad while including him in the provisional list? There are young players in the NPFL that making the Super Eagles provisional squad is a lifetime achievement for them, not Ahmed Musa who is Nigeria’s highest goal scorer ever in the World Cup with four goals
