The omission of Gift Orban from the latest Super Eagles squad for the upcoming 2023
African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Sierra Leone has sparked shock and
discussions among Nigerian football enthusiasts.
Coach José Santos Peseiro unveiled the 23-man squad, which includes notable names like Victor Osimhen and William Troost-Ekong, but left out Orban and Victor Boniface, raising eyebrows among fans.
Orban, who joined KAA Gent in January, made an immediate impact by scoring 15 goals in 16 league matches. His remarkable form continued throughout the season, with a total of 20 goals in 22 games in all competitions. He also performed impressively in the UEFA Europa Conference League, netting five goals in six games.
Despite his exceptional performances, Orban was snubbed in favor of other players who have been out of form.
Similarly, Victor Boniface, who emerged as the top scorer in the Europa League for the
2022-23 season with six goals, seemed deserving of a call-up to the national team.
However, both he and Orban were overlooked by Peseiro and the Nigerian Football
Federation, while players like Ahmed Musa and Moses Simon, who have struggled for form, were included in the squad.
This decision has led to widespread criticism on social media, particularly on Twitter, with
many expressing their disappointment. Fans questioned the inclusion of Musa, highlighting his lack of goals and assists during the season. They also voiced their frustration at the exclusion of in-form players like Orban, Boniface, Onyedika, and Ebuehi, who have been regular contributors for their clubs.
Nigerian football enthusiasts urged the Nigerian Football Federation and the Technical
Department to invite players who are performing consistently for their clubs and have
something to prove. They emphasized the importance of healthy competition within the team and the need to select players in their best form.
While some fans praised the addition of Divine Nwachukwu to the squad from Bendel
Insurance, they expressed surprise at Orban’s absence and questioned the criteria for his
exclusion.
The debate surrounding the squad selection highlights the passion and expectations of
Nigerian football fans, who hope for a strong and competitive national team.
The performance of the Super Eagles in the upcoming AFCON qualifier will be closely observed, and the exclusion of Orban and Boniface will continue to be a topic of discussion among Nigerian football enthusiasts.
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