Super Eagles head coach Jose Peceiro has announced the 25-man squad for the upcoming matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique, reports Soccernet.ng.
Notably, Peseiro’s selection excludes Troost-Ekong, and the incoming national team includes Bright Ossai-Samuel, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamiu Collins, Jordan Tornalija, Semi Ajayi, Ola Other defensive options included Aina, Bruno Onyemichi, and Calvin Bassey.
Former Watford defender Troost-Ekong, 30, has not had the chance to represent the Super Eagles despite receiving two call-ups in 2023.
His last appearance for the Nigeria national team was in November 2022, in a 4-0 loss against Portugal. Troost-Ekong then suffered an injury and was left out of the squad for the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.
Trost-Ekong was called up twice in 2023, against Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe, but he has not played in any games this year.
However, the situation has raised questions in the Nigerian football community regarding Peseiro’s defensive strategy.
Whether Peseiro is exploring alternative defensive options, whether Troost-Ekong has lost his place in the starting lineup, or whether Troost-Ekong’s fitness no longer meets the needs of the Super Eagles’ defense. , remains unclear.
Peseiro prefers other defenders, with Semi Ajayi a strong option at centre-back alongside Calvin Bassey and Kenneth Omeruo.
Although the 2013 AFCON champions’ opponents did not pose much of a challenge defensively, the selected defenders performed well.
11 days and we are back together on the pitch! Who else can’t wait?#soarsupereagles #letsdoitagain pic.twitter.com/ohVK6eDGby
– 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) 2 October 2023
Although the reasons behind Peseiro’s selection decision and possible changes to the Super Eagles’ defense remain unclear, it is clear that the 63-year-old coach is determined to achieve the best results is.
