Super Eagles interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has given a reason why he didn’t include CSKA Moscow winger, Chidera Ejuke, to be part of Nigeria’s 25-man squad to face the Black Stars of Ghana in a 2022 World Cup qualifier later this month.
Eguavoen recently announced his squad to face Ghana and Ejuke was among seven players on the reserve roster, the others being Paul Onuachu, Peter Olayinka, Ogenyi Onazi, Chidozie Awaziem, Jamilu Collins and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Ejuke was expected to play a key role for the Super Eagles at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, but was surprisingly a bit-part player in Cameroon, making only one start against Guinea-Bissau.
Explaining his decision, Eguavoen said Ejuke was not included in the 25-man squad against Ghana because of the recent events between Russia and Ukraine.
“Ejuke, very good player, I don’t have to tell you all my plans. He’s one player I adore a lot,” Eguavoen said at a press briefing.
“In the Africa Cup of Nations, he played only one game because he was not at his best, reasons best known to him.
“We discussed, but the outcome of the discussions I don’t have to let you know, so he’s still very much in our plans.
“Right now, Russia and Ukraine are in turmoil and he’s playing in that region as well.”
