Super Eagles<\/a> head coach Eric Chelle<\/a> made a big splash on Monday when he released the squad list for Nigeria\u2019s games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe this March, Soccernet.ng<\/a> reports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Malian tactician, appointed in January, cast a wide net with a 39-man provisional list ahead of Nigeria<\/a>\u2018s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.<\/p>\n It was a squad that ticked several boxes \u2014 combining the experience of established stars with the promise of fresh faces. The inclusion of Nigerian league<\/a> players and the recall of long-forgotten names signalled a new era of meritocracy and open-door policy.<\/p>\n Yet, for all its inclusiveness, Chelle\u2019s list was not without controversy. The absence of three notable names \u2014 Taiwo Awoniyi<\/strong>, Ibrahim Olawoyin<\/strong>, and Chuba Akpom<\/strong> \u2014 left many questioning whether the former Lens defender had missed a trick in his maiden squad.<\/p>\n READ MORE\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Few omissions from Chelle\u2019s list have sparked as much debate as Taiwo Awoniyi\u2019s.<\/p>\n The Nottingham Forest<\/a> striker may not have enjoyed his most prolific campaign this season, with just one Premier League goal to his name, but his work ethic and physical presence remain invaluable.<\/p>\n Awoniyi has been a reliable performer for Nigeria in recent years, scoring crucial goals at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. His exclusion becomes even more puzzling considering Chelle\u2019s decision to include out-of-form and injury-hit forwards like Kelechi Iheanacho and Akor Adams<\/a>, who have barely featured for their clubs in 2025. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Taiwo Awoniyi celebrated his first Premier League goal of the season by covering his face with shinpads.<\/p>\n They were inscribed with the Bible verse James 1:17: \u201cEvery good and perfect gift is from above.\u201d \u26bd pic.twitter.com\/Xx0kDDU2zQ<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u2014 ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) January 7, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n If fitness or form were the criteria, Awoniyi\u2019s consistent availability should have earned him a place ahead of these two. His aerial threat and ability to hold up play could have offered Nigeria an alternative dimension in attack \u2014 a facet Eric Chelle may rue missing out on.<\/p>\n Ibrahim Olawoyin\u2019s absence is another decision that raises eyebrows, especially given Nigeria\u2019s struggles to create chances from midfield in recent matches.<\/p>\n The Rizespor playmaker has been one of Nigeria\u2019s most productive midfielders in Europe this season, registering three goals and seven assists in the Turkish Super Lig.<\/p>\n With Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru battling injuries and Alex Iwobi overworked at Fulham, Olawoyin\u2019s exclusion is hard to justify \u2014 particularly when the squad is already overloaded with defensive midfielders.<\/p>\n Alhamdulilah for the goal and our first consecutive win (SuperLig) in three months. Come on Rize! pic.twitter.com\/eueO1wYF5D<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Ibrahim Olawoyin (@brymzy10) March 2, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Olawoyin offers something different \u2014 a direct dribbler with an eye for goal and the vision to unlock defences. His versatility and capacity to play on the flanks or in central midfield, would have added tactical flexibility to Chelle\u2019s options.<\/p>\n If any player has reason to feel aggrieved, it is Chuba Akpom.<\/p>\n The Lille forward has been patiently waiting for his Super Eagles debut since switching allegiance from England in 2020. Akpom\u2019s impressive goal tally across spells in England, Greece, the Netherlands, and now France speaks volumes of his quality.<\/p>\n With 10 goals in over 30 games this season across Ligue 1, the Eredivisie and the Europa League, the 28-year-old has proved his worth at the highest level.<\/p>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/imago1057772418-scaled.jpg\")
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Taiwo Awoniyi: Eric Chelle\u2019s curious omission<\/h4>\n
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Get Our Sports News First \u2013 Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!<\/a><\/h5>\n
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Ibrahim Olawoyin: Eric Chelle\u2019s forgotten creator<\/h4>\n
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Chuba Akpom: Nigeria\u2019s unlucky outsider<\/h4>\n
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