'I am surprised' - European coach questions Peseiro's decision to snub Southampton loanee Onuachu 

Danish football tactician Jess Thorup has questioned the decision of Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro to leave Southampton loanee Paul Onuachu out of the Nigeria squad for the October internationals against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique. 

Onuachu has scored the most goals in his career working under Thorup, 61 in 135 matches combined for FC Midtjylland and Racing Genk.

Peseiro has named five players classed as center forwards on his roster for the upcoming friendlies, namely Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, Terem Moffi and Victor Boniface. 

Onuachu has enjoyed a good start to his career at Trabzonspor, scoring three goals and registering an assist in three Super Lig matches. 

The FC Ebedei product has made just three appearances for the Super Eagles in the last two years, the last of which came against Guinea-Bissau in an Africa Cup of Nations in March 2023.

Thorup has highlighted the qualities that his former pupil Onuachu would bring to the Super Eagles if called up. 

"He has and has shown that he can perform at the international level," Thorup said to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet. 

"Onuachu is a football player who is technically and physically strong, has good speed, and has the ability to score goals."

He added: "Paul Onuachu is a special player that we don't see much in football. Onuachu has sharp skills that are really good but not easy to compare with others.

"I am surprised that Paul Onuachu is not in the Nigeria National Team but I am sure he will be a permanent part of the team in the long run."

In nineteen appearances for the Super Eagles, six of which he started, Onuachu has scored three goals. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: trabzonspor.org.tr

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