Super Eagles: 12 stars missing from Finidi George's final 23-man squad for World Cup qualifiers

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on May 25 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 changed the team's squad list due to a flurry of injury setbacks suffered by players first called up.

Finidi has summoned this lineup as the West Africans prepares to face formidable opponents in South Africa and Benin Republic next month.

He has called up an intriguing mix of players, including Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface, who missed the 2023 AFCON through injury and AC Milan's Samuel Chukwueze, who has been in fine form for the Italian side this season.

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.

Super Eagles squad missing several notable players

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.

In a statement shared by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on social media, Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella withdrew for personal reasons. Rizespor attacker, Ibrahim Olawoyin, was called up as a replacement for the former Burnley forward.

The change to the Super Eagles squad came just days after star forward, Victor Osimhen, pulled out and was replaced by Enugu Rangers left-back Kenneth Igoke.

🚨🗒️ 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
11. Nathan Tella
12. Victor Osimhen