AFCONQ roster : Why Awoniyi, four other in-form players should have been called up by Peseiro

The Super Eagles are on the verge of facing the real test under Jose Peseiro with the approaching 2023 AFCON qualifiers, where they are grouped with Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Guinea-Bissau.

This time around, there have been numerous additions to the squad and it greatly differs from the one that faced Mexico and Ecuador in previous friendlies.

After failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ahmed Musa, Shehu Abdullah, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar, and others have been invited to play in the crucial games.

However, there were notable absentees and allnigeriasoccer.com will be taking a look at why they should have been called up to Peseiro's squad.

1) Taiwo Awoniyi : In light of his recent goalscoring prowess, the former Liverpool star and Union Berlin forward should have been included as his goalscoring ratio among the top scoring Nigerian in Europe's top five leagues has been phenomenal.

That he didn't get a spot in the team ahead of Terem Moffi is baffling.

2) Kevin Akpoguma : Hoffenheim enjoyed his services this past season as a key defender.

He should have been considered ahead of Chidozie Awaziem who has looked off the pace in the last two matches

3) Bryan Idowu : A standout player for Russian Premier League club Khimki. The defender played a key role and made a significant contribution to the team's success this season.

He should have been given the nod over players like Shehu Abdullah, who did not start many games for Omonia Nicosia in the Cyprus First Division Liga.

4) Odion Ighalo : Experience is vital and Ighalo has them in abundance. Apart from this, his current goalscoring and blistering form for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia's Professional League is a reason why he should have been selected.

5) Kelechi Iheanacho : One of the standout players for Brendan Rodgers' side in the recently concluded season, Iheanacho was outstanding across all competitions for Leicester City.

The 2013 U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner has always proven to be a threat to opponents whenever he is on.

Sofoluwe Mayowa

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