Why Musa, Kelechi, Moffi, Five Others Have Not Featured In Eagles Matches – Jose Peseiro

COACH of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Jose Peseiro has given reasons why the captain of the team, Ahmed Musa and seven others have not featured in any of the two matches played so far by the team in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking in Abidjan, the Portugal-born gaffer explained that he could feature only eleven players during a match with an option of five substitutions. He said if he had his way, he would feature all the 25 players in a match but the rule won’t permit such.  

Hear him: “Till now we have not played Francis Uzoho, Ojo, Chidozie, Bruno Onyemaechi, Onyedika, Ahmed Musa, Kelechi and Moffi – eight players. 

“I would like to put all of them, even if the referee allows me I put 25 on the pitch but he doesn’t allow it.

“The main point here and my players know is our team, Super Eagles. Our responsibility is to beat Guinea-Bissau, not give a chance to one player because all the players deserve it, they work very well in the camp. 

“We create a good atmosphere. There is happiness, they know the team is more important.

“I believe in all of them but need to choose 11, I believe in the 25 players. For tomorrow I get to choose the best 11 in my opinion. 

“They deserve to play but I cannot replace more than five, cannot start more than 11. Everybody is focused every time, for that they do the same training – the same set piece, the same combination, the same moments.”

Eighteen-Eleven Media