Nigeria interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has provided insight into his decision to leave out Rangersā top scorer Cyriel Dessers from the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
Despite Dessersā strong form for Rangers this season, the 29-year-old forward was once again overlooked for national duty, Footballrover reports.
Dessers, who has netted seven goals and registered one assist for the Scottish side, including standout performances with braces against Ross County and Dundee, was widely expected to be called up after Victor Osimhen’s recent injury.
However, Eguavoen opted for a different route.
The Super Eagles boss revealed that he had given consideration to both Dessers and Tolu Arokodare, another emerging Nigerian forward, but ultimately decided to select Kelechi Iheanacho for his experience.
According to Eguavoen, with Osimhen sidelined, experience became the deciding factor in his selection process.
Eguavoen defends Dessers snub despite impressive club form
While Dessersā omission raised eyebrows, Eguavoen stood by his decision, citing the importance of fielding seasoned players in crucial international fixtures.
He also pointed out that Iheanachoās proven track record on the international stage, with 15 goals for Nigeria, outweighed his current struggles at club level, where he is yet to find the net this season.
“I decided to include Kelechi Iheanacho of Sevilla when it became clear Victor Osimhen would not be fit in time.
I looked at both Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare, but opted for Kelechi this time because he is the more experienced striker,” Eguavoen explained.
Although Dessersā form in Scotland has been remarkable, it appears that for Eguavoen, international experience remains the priority.
he Super Eagles manager is confident that his selection will bring balance and success as Nigeria looks ahead to the key qualifiers against Libya.
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