Who would have made Nigeria’s 2022 World Cup squad? - World Cup Update
Nigeria have failed to make it to the World Cup for the second time since their first appearance in 1994, ending their three-tournament run of appearances in 2010, 2014 and 2018.
However, some would have been assured of their place had Jose Peseiro named his 26-player group while others may have been unsure of their spot.
In this feature, World Cup Update attempt to select the group that may have been on the plane to Qatar.
Goalkeepers
Francis Uzoho
Despite the limitations of the Omonia goalkeeper, Uzoho would have been in the Super Eagles' selection in Qatar.
Maduka Okoye
Another much-maligned shot-stopper, Okoye has lost his starting berth for the three-time West African champions since the Africa Cup of Nations. Be that as it may, he was likely to make the final 26.
Adebayo Adeleye
While Adeleye is yet to make his Nigeria debut, a portion of Super Eagles fans want the Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem between the sticks. A spot to Qatar would have been assured had the African giants not missed out.
Centre-backs
William Troost-Ekong
The Watford man would have been a shoo-in at the heart of the defence.
Kevin Akpoguma
Despite unconvincing at centre-back, the Hoffenheim man has started in central defence for Nigeria of late.
Chidozie Awaziem
Capable of playing at centre-back and full-back, Awaziem’s flexibility in two positions would have been an asset at the finals.
Kenneth Omeruo
Even though the Leganes man’s game time has been inconsistent this term, a spot as back-up centre-back may have been reserved for the 29-year-old.
Olisa Ndah
Ndah may have made it to the list as a backup option in central defence.
Full-backs
Calvin Bassey
Bassey may have come in for criticism at Ajax, but the versatile defender would have made it to Jose Peseiro’s selection, nonetheless.
Chidiebube Duru
With Zaidu Sanusi suffering an adductor tear in Porto’s final Champions League group stage game against Atletico Madrid, Duru would have been a beneficiary of the left-back’s likely absence.
Bright Osayi-Samuel
A strong debut from Osayi-Samuel against Portugal would have assured Nigerians owing to Ola Aina’s expected absence. The Torino man is out until January 2023 with a hamstring injury.
Tyronne Ebuehi
The Empoli right back would likely have completed a nine-man backline.
Midfielders
Wilfred Ndidi
Regardless of injury problems at Leicester City and a lack of game time before the World Cup, Ndidi’s quality means he will not have been excluded from the group of 26.
Peter Etebo
A return to form at Aris Thessaloniki ought to have seen Etebo named in Peseiro’s final selection.
Raphael Onyedika
The consistent Club Brugge man would have been the perfect Ndidi backup in defensive midfield.
Frank Onyeka
The Brentford midfielder’s return to form in the last couple of months would have been enough to seal World Cup selection.
Alex Iwobi
Nigeria’s best-performing midfielder would have been one of the first names on the list had Nigeria made it through.
Joe Aribo
Even if Aribo’s form has fluctuated this season, the Southampton man was unlikely to miss out had the Super Eagles been participating in Qatar.
Wingers
Moses Simon
The Nantes wide attacker was likely to start for Nigeria at the finals had they made it through qualifying.
Samuel Chukwueze
A commendable start under Quique Setien at Villarreal ought to have assured Nigerians of a potential return to form for Chukwueze in Qatar.
Ademola Lookman
An impressive start to life in Serie A would have assured the Atalanta attacker of a spot in the 26.
Chidera Ejuke
Ejuke’s directness and aggressive ball-carrying might have given him the nod ahead of the controversial Emmanuel Dennis.
Strikers
Victor Osimhen
Nigeria’s best player and current Serie A top scorer. Osimhen’s spot in Peseiro’s selection was near certain.
Terem Moffi
Only Kylian Mbappe (12) and Neymar (11) have scored more than Moffi (10) in Ligue 1. The Lorient man was going to make it to the World Cup had Nigeria participated.
Paul Onuachu
Genk’s top scorer and, by extension, the Belgium Pro League’s leading marksman (13) was unlikely to miss out on a spot in the group.
Kelechi Iheanacho
Despite an absence of match action for Leicester City, Iheanacho’s ability to score from nothing and adeptness in a two-man attack would have been beneficial to Nigeria. This will have been an unpopular selection.
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