German-based Nigerian journalist, Oma Akatugba, has questioned the omission of Brentford loanee Frank Onyeka from the Super Eagles squad set to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe this month.

In a video posted on his Instagram page, Akatugba criticized the selection process, questioning why Alhassan Yusuf, who plays in the MLS and has only featured in two games, was chosen over Onyeka, a key member of the Super Eagles squad that reached the AFCON final in 2023.

The unexpected exclusion has sparked debate on social media, with many fans expressing their disbelief. Akatugba, a longtime supporter of the national team, says the move by Eric Chelle "defies logic" opining that the move indicates the new coach might not be in charge of the team.

According to sports news outlet OwnGoalNigeria, Onyeka’s omission was based on tactical considerations. The report claims that Chelle favors a possession-based style of play and believes the duo of Alhassan Yusuf and Papa Daniel is better suited for the upcoming matches.

Expressing his frustration, Akatugba said: "So you put up a list of players to prosecute a very critical World Cup qualifier, and then you do this. Look at this guy, Frank Onyeka—22 games in the Bundesliga. Twenty-two games in the Bundesliga! And look at this guy, Alassane Youssef—two games or just three games in the MLS. MLS is invited. Frank Onyeka, with 22 games in the Bundesliga, is not invited—for a critical World Cup qualifier. A make-or-break match. What we do in Nigeria defies logic."

"And that's why you see we are not making progress. We are either walking backward or stagnant in our football because we make some very ludicrous, lugubrious, laughable decisions that you can't even comprehend. Who on earth does that? What a shame. I simply can't believe this. Or is this some sort of April Fool's joke?"

Akatugba also questioned the authority of Coach Chelle, warning him against allowing external influence over player selection.

"Eric Chelle, I hope you are totally in charge of this team. I hope you are in absolute control because what this tells me is that you are not fully in charge of the selection of players for the national team. Don't start on these bad notes because we're already in a bad situation. We cannot get out of this situation with the way we are approaching it. But nonetheless, I wish you guys all the best too. Shalom."

The Super Eagles are set to host Rwanda on Friday, March 21, and Zimbabwe on Tuesday, March 25.



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