There were few surprises when Finidi George announced Super Eagles’ 23-man squad ahead of their 2027 World Cup qualifier ties with South Africa and Benin Republic. Defender, Troost Ekong and Moses Simon miss out due to injury. Shot stopper Fisayo Dele-Bashiru got a nod after his omission in the AFCON 2023 final squad.
They should be able to cope relatively well even with the injury that has subjected Victor Osimhen to the bench. After all, with the recent exploits of Ademola Lookman in the Europa Cup Dublin final, they are not without firepower.
England striker turned TV pundit, Peter Crouch, appearing on an exclusive TNT Sports segment lamented on Ademola Lookman’s choice. This particular clip was characteristically unavailable to viewers on their X account particularly hailing from the Global south region. He added, “If Ademola Lookman had been patient, he would have played for England instead of Nigeria”. This follows his heroics bagging a hat-trick for Atlanta in their UEFA Europa League final clash which all but ended Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten run and denied Xabi Alonso & Co. a cup double.
That feat also meant Atlanta ended their cup drought after a sordid 61-years. The forward seemed less dash and more reflective in his post-match remarks,
“It was an amazing performance from the team. We did it… We made history tonight.”–he told The Daily Mail (UK).
Before the dust could settle, Brila Media, (@Brilafm889), a Nigerian local publisher picked up on the story and re-posted on their X handle and ever since the comment has stirred the hornets nest with several users picking on the former beanpole striker’s choice of words. However, this particular post was scrubbed off their timeline not before yours truly captured some of the reactions.
( Here are a select few at the time of filling this story).
One X user (@ThePeakSanti) reposted and commented: The same way Fikayo Tomori gets picked no matter how good his form is and how bad Maguire performs right? Agbonlahor? Tammy Abraham? Eberechi Eze? Solanke? Respectfully sit down sir.
Another (@Debbybruno3) stated: The same England that has been living on its ‘coming home’ and vibes? Their trophy cabinet should be full of cobwebs by now. At least Lookman can still win AFCON with Nigeria (smiley face emoji).
(@ajibade_demola) was point blank: Where is Tammy Abraham that’s so patient?
While (@Mrbiggyjoe) was more reflective and poignant with his notes: Olise, Dele Alli, Tomori, Tammy Abraham, Chukwuemeka, Noni Madueke and many more that have been patient. What have you done with them?
Peter Crouch’s grandstanding will soon be forgotten. For now though, let Lookman along with other players of his ilk eat the fruits of their labors.
