Toyin Ibitoye explains decision to cut Nigeria squad

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Friday Jun 01, 2018. 12:47

With coach Gernot Rohr having cut his squad from 30 to 25, the Nigerian Football Federation has explained the reasons behind the decision.

According to the NFF’s Toyin Ibitoye, he said it is tough to cut the players because they cannot take all 30 players to the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Rohr initially announced a provisional squad of 30 players as they prepare to face England in a friendly on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.

The Super Eagles boss has trimmed his squad to 25 and the manager has told Stephen Eze, Dele Ajiboye, Junior Lokosa and Uche Agbo they will not be needed in Russia.

According to the BBC website, Moses Simon remains with the travelling group to undergo tests on his thigh injury.

Despite the KAA Gent winger seemingly ruled out of the World Cup, the coaching staff is keen to give him more time to ascertain the true extent of his injury.

"It's tough because we can't take all the 30 players to the World Cup," team spokesman Ibitoye told the BBC.

"They've been informed and they've thanked the coaching staff for the opportunity and promise to keep supporting their colleagues."

Meanwhile, the 25-man squad travelling to London includes English Premier League quintet of Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi.

The Super Eagles will be making a sixth appearance at the global showpiece in Russia where they will play Argentina, Iceland and Croatia in Group D.