Sports
AFCON: Nigerians question Musa’s inclusion, six players’ absence
The head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, recently revealed his final 25-man squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. However, the selection has faced criticism from Nigerians on social media, particularly questioning the inclusion of Ahmed Musa and the absence of six players – Kelechi Nwakali, Olisa Ndah, Terem Moffi, Gift Orban, Nathan Tella, and Cyriel Dessers. Some social media users also expressed concerns about the midfield’s lack of creativity, despite featuring players like Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo, and Frank Onyeka.
Atlantic reporters reported that Peseiro announced the squad last Friday, with Chippa United keeper, Valentine Nwabili, being the only new addition. Captain Musa and his assistant, William Troost-Ekong, were also named in the squad. The team will commence preparations for the competition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on January 1, and is placed in Group A alongside hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. The Super Eagles’ campaign for a fourth AFCON title kicks off against Equatorial Guinea on January 14.
Several reactions on social media highlighted dissatisfaction with Musa’s inclusion and the perceived lack of creativity in the midfield. Some users expressed concerns about the squad’s composition, emphasizing the absence of certain players and the apparent imbalance in positions.
Hugo Broos, the head coach of South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, has unveiled a preliminary squad of 36 players for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Bafana Bafana will first play against the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7. Subsequently, they will host Zimbabwe at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
Broos is expected to reduce the squad to 23 players in the coming days. Presently, Bafana Bafana holds the second position in Group C with three points garnered from two games, while the Super Eagles are in third place with two points, also from two matches.
Victor Osimhen and Bruno Onyemaechi have been added to the Super Eagles’ list of injured players ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.
According to a report from DAILY POST, Osimhen was absent from Napoli’s training session on Monday following an injury sustained during their Serie A match against Bologna over the weekend. Napoli’s official website indicated that the forward was undergoing recovery work for a muscle strain, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming league clash against Fiorentina.
Meanwhile, left-back Bruno Onyemaechi has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.
AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze is also uncertain for the two upcoming games due to an injury concern.
Furthermore, Moses Simon, Zaidu Sanusi, and Tyrone Ebuehi have already been sidelined from the qualifiers due to long-term injuries.
On a positive note, vice-captain William Troost-Ekong has recently resumed training after undergoing surgery following the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Real Madrid has clinched the LaLiga championship for the 2023-2024 season, officially confirmed following Girona’s 4-2 victory over Barcelona in the late match.
Carlo Ancelotti’s squad secured a 3-0 home win against Cadiz, courtesy of goals from Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham, and Joselu.
With these results, Real Madrid now holds 87 points from 34 matches. Barcelona’s defeat places them in third position with 73 points, one less than Girona.
This marks the 36th occasion that Los Blancos have claimed the league title.
Ahead, Real Madrid is set to host Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final encounter, with the tie currently level at 2-2.
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