Recent injury to Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has prompted some sections of fans to once again question Jose Peseiro final 25-man list submitted to Confederation of Africa Football for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Portuguese tactician December 29, 2023 released the final squad for the AFCON in Ivory Coast naming 25 players while there was room for two more players.
The 63-year-old’s decision was heavily criticised by some Nigerians prompting the coach to defend his selection process during an interview with NFF TV.
“I hope they will do their best for the Super Eagles. It was a decision from the NFF for us to go to AFCON with 25 players and agreed with it,” he said.
Since the announcement of the final 25-man list, Leicester City duo Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho had both picked up injuries. While Ndidi had been completely ruled out of the tournbament and replaced with AlHassan Yusuf, Iheanacho remains doubtful.
On Monday, Boniface picked up an injury and was immediately ruled out of the tournament with Nice’s Terem Moffi immediately drafted in as his replacement.
With the AFCON set to kick off on Saturday, some fans took to social media to express their concerns over the growing list of injured players while question Peseiro’s 25-man final squad.
Alex EdoBoy cast doubts over the Eagles progression from the group stage.
He wrote, “With this growing list of injuries, I don’t think Nigeria will make it pass the group stage because by then they won’t have the chance of calling up players again as replacement. Why not go with 27 players and be rest assured that you have two who can be call upon in case of emergency. Peseiro has nothing to offer Nigerian football, just collecting millions of naira with his clueless tactics.”
Olurops added, “Why can’t Peseiro call 27 players instead he went to call 25. Kelechi doubtful and Boniface injured. This amateur coach will not take the Super Eagles anywhere.”
Imade simply said, “He had the option to invite 27 players yet he refused.”
Obinna Ugo believes Peseiro’s decision will prove costly in Ivory Coast.
“Invite the 27 players you were allowed to invite, you do agidi (stubbornness) and invited only 25…See how they will sail to failure..This coach Nawa,” he tweeted.
Aregbesola Oluwafemisire added, “Call 27 player he say no …no problem sha our eyes go peel.”
The Eagles are paired in Group A with the hosts, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.
