Super Eagles: 10 big names missing from Finidi George's final 23-man squad for World Cup qualifiers

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) released the 23-man Super Eagles roster set to compete in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The squad features a blend of seasoned veterans and rising young talents as the West African nation aims to secure its place on the global stage.

Newly appointed head coach, Finidi George, has summoned this lineup as Nigeria prepares to face formidable opponents in South Africa and Benin Republic next month.

Finidi has called up an intriguing mix of players, including Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, Bayer Leverkusen duo Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface, and AC Milan's Samuel Chukwueze.

As reported by Soccernet, the in-form Ademola Lookman, who recently helped Atalanta BC win the Europa League, has also earned a spot on the roster.

However, the squad announcement has not been devoid of surprises, as several notable players have been left out.

Team captain Ahmed Musa, who missed the recent friendly matches against Ghana and Mali, was again omitted, raising questions about his future with the national team.

AFCON's Most Valuable Player, William Troost-Ekong, has been left out due to an injury sustained during the continental tournament.

Kenneth Omeruo, another experienced defender, has also been overlooked, despite his wealth of international experience.

🚨🗒️ Official squad list for the Super Eagles' World Cup qualifiers in June

- Boniface & Okoye return
- Sadiq Ismael called up pic.twitter.com/fJ8QRlgzNf

— Nigeria Football Weekly🦅🇳🇬 (@NFWPod) May 24, 2024

Super Eagles stars unavailable for World Cup qualifiers

1. Ahmed Musa
2. Ola Aina
3. William Troost-Ekong
4. Joe Aribo
5. Kenneth Omeruo
6. Taiwo Awoniyi
7. Bruno Onyemaechi
8. Umar Sadiq
9. Cyriel Dessers
10. Jamilu Collins

Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers, who impressed during the last international break, has not made the cut, while Joe Aribo's recent form for Southampton has failed to convince the coach. The decision to exclude Ola Aina, who has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest, has also raised eyebrows.

The squad's composition has led to some intriguing omissions, including the absence of both Jamilu Collins and Bruno Onyemaechi, leaving Calvin Bassey as the only natural left-footed defender in the group. On the right flank, Remo Stars' Sodiq Ismael has been called up to fill the void left by Ola Aina's absence.

Per All Africa, the Super Eagles will commence their World Cup qualifying journey on Friday, June 7, as they host South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. On Monday, June 10, they will travel to Abidjan to take on Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny.