Paul Onuachu’s Redemption After Being Snubbed for Nigeria’s World Cup Squad
Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu made a statement just hours after being left out of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff squad, which was announced on Saturday. The 30-year-old forward, who has been in stellar form this season with eight league goals and the Turkish Super Lig Player of the Month award for October, was a major surprise not to be included.
His omission raised eyebrows, especially considering his status as the top-scoring Nigerian in Europe’s major leagues. With limited striking options beyond Victor Osimhen, Onuachu’s exclusion seemed puzzling. However, he quickly proved his worth by scoring Trabzonspor’s only goal in their 1-1 draw against Alanyaspor on Saturday.
In the 15th minute, Onuachu received a pass from Mustafa Eskihellac in front of the box. He used a beautiful piece of skill to get past his markers and poked the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. His performance highlighted his importance to both his club and the national team.
Another notable absentee from the squad was Inter Milan loanee Ebenezer Akinsanmiro. Despite his fine performances in Serie B, where he has been praised for his energy, creativity, and composure on the ball, Akinsanmiro was overlooked for the semi-final clash with Gabon at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat on November 13.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and forward Chidera Ejuke were among the notable returnees in the squad. Okoye’s inclusion was widely anticipated. The Udinese shot-stopper is back in the national fold for the first time since June. His recall follows sustained calls for his reinstatement after recent doubts surrounding Stanley Nwabali’s consistency.
Okoye has re-established himself as Udinese’s first-choice goalkeeper, putting in several strong performances since returning from a two-month suspension in July for breaching sporting conduct rules. His return to form, highlighted by a superb display that ended Atalanta’s unbeaten run last weekend, has been central to his comeback.
Defensive Lineup and Key Players
In defense, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem, and Semi Ajayi were all named. Osayi-Samuel returns after recovering from a muscle injury that sidelined him during the last international window. The Birmingham City full-back has regained full fitness, featuring in recent Championship fixtures and offering Nigeria added stability down the right flank.
Ajayi, however, remains suspended for the semi-final against Gabon after picking up two yellow cards during the group stage against Lesotho and Benin, but was still called up to the squad, a sign of his importance to the team’s defensive setup. Nantes defender Awaziem also returns after missing recent windows, whilst captain William Troost-Ekong and Fulham’s Calvin Bassey maintain their places.
Midfield and Attack
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf, and Alex Iwobi retain their positions, joined by Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika, who returns after recovering from a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old featured for Brugge in their 2-1 win over Dender and impressed against Barcelona in a six-goal thriller that earned him a standing ovation. His return offers Nigeria a technically sound and defensively assured option in midfield.
Ejuke’s inclusion marks his first return to the national team since October 2024. The attack also includes current Africa Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle, providing depth across wide and central areas.
Nigeria are aiming to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2018 after missing out on the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Their next challenge is to win the semi-final against Gabon to reach the final three days later, where they could face either Cameroon or DR Congo for a place in the inter-confederation playoffs.