Football
Super Eagles AFCON Squad: Adepoju and Makinwa Seek Clarity on Dessers’ Exclusion, Osho’s Inclusion
Former Nigerian stars Mutiu Adepoju and Henry Makinwa call for transparency on the AFCON squad selections, questioning Cyriel Dessers’ exclusion and Gabriel Osho’s inclusion over Leon Balogun.
Image Credits: Rangers X
Former Nigerian internationals Mutiu Adepoju and Henry Makinwa have reacted to Nigeria's squad for the upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Nigeria's Head Coach Austin Eguavoen has faced criticisms over some of his player selections, with fans questioning the transparency of the process and hinting at possible external influences.
Omission of Cyriel Dessers Raises Questions
Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers was again omitted from the squad, despite earlier hints from Eguavoen about his potential inclusion.
In a pre-match press conference before Nigeria’s AFCON qualifier against Libya in Uyo last month, Eguavoen had suggested that Dessers could return for the November qualifiers. However, Dessers was left out once more, sparking confusion and frustration among fans.
Some of Eguavoen's headline selections include Sadiq Umar from Real Sociedad and Kelechi Iheanacho from Sevilla—neither of whom have yet to score a league goal this season.
Image Credits: Rangers X
This has further fueled fans’ displeasure on social media, especially given that Dessers is one of Nigeria's most productive strikers at the moment.
The former KRC Genk forward has nine goals across all competitions for the Gers this season — three more than Victor Osimhen, and one more Victor Boniface and Ademola Lookman.
Fans and Former Players Demand Transparency
The decision to omit Dessers while including Sadiq Umar has led to an uproar, with fans alleging that the selection process may have been influenced by individuals within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) or due to Nigeria's quota system policy.
Speaking to SportsBoom.com, Henry Makinwa insisted that Coach Eguavoen needs to provide clarity on his squad choices and be fully accountable. However, Makinwa rejected the idea that external forces were influencing Eguavoen’s decisions.
“Player invitations to the national team are the sole responsibility of the Head Coach,” Makinwa said.
“From the list of invited players, we can gauge the personality of every coach. Eguavoen alone can defend his choices, and he must take responsibility for them.
If, after 30 years with the NFF, he isn’t independent in his call-ups, then I have nothing more to say. I believe he’s fully accountable now.
Mutiu Adepoju
Adepoju Weighs In on Dessers’ Omission
Image Credits: Rangers X
Mutiu Adepoju, a former teammate of Eguavoen who won the 1994 AFCON with Nigeria, commented on Dessers’ exclusion in a separate interview with SportsBoom.com.
Adepoju suggested that Dessers’ omission could simply mean that the striker doesn’t currently fit into Eguavoen’s plans.
"You don’t call a player you don’t need,” Adepoju stated.
It’s up to the coach because only he knows what he wants from the squad. The national team has limited spots, and if certain players are left out, it’s likely because their skills aren’t needed at the moment.
Mutiu Adepoju
Gabriel Osho over Leon Balogun
Dessers wasn’t the only notable omission. His Rangers teammate, veteran defender Leon Balogun, was also left out. Instead Coach Eguavoen selected Gabriel Osho, who was born in England to Nigerian parents.
The Reading academy graduate was chosen as cover for Semi Ajayi, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury and is set to undergo surgery.
Osho, who had previously been named to Nigeria’s squad for friendlies in March 2024, was unable to participate then due to a knee injury. His recent selection has been seen as a move to bring in fresh talent, but Makinwa has urged the technical crew to explain Balogun’s omission.
“Leon Balogun’s case deserves a clear explanation from the technical staff,” Makinwa said. “As for Osho, he’s a promising player for the future. Nigerians in the diaspora deserve an equal chance to represent the national team.
Adepoju Encourages Excluded Players
Adepoju also expressed empathy for Dessers and other excluded players, encouraging them to use their exclusion as motivation to keep improving.
“Just because they weren’t invited doesn’t mean they aren’t good enough,” Adepoju said. “The coach may have other plans in mind. They should focus on playing regularly and scoring goals—that’s the best way to earn a place in the squad.”
Seyi Alao is a Nigerian sports reporter, writer, and producer, known for delivering engaging sports content in both English and Pidgin. At Brila FM, I transitioned seamlessly into the role of Content Creator, demonstrating a deep understanding of media dynamics and effectively crafting captivating and informative narratives.