Andre Onana and Paul Onuachu during a Turkish Super Lig match
Cameroon’s first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana has voiced his surprise over the absence of Paul Onuachu from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Morocco.
Onana, who is currently on loan from Manchester United to Turkish side Trabzonspor, was taken aback that his in-form club teammate — who has scored 8 goals in 12 games this season — didn’t make the Super Eagles’ final 24-man list.
Despite receiving a provisional call-up, Onuachu was dropped by head coach Eric Chelle, who opted instead for Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, and Jerome Akor to spearhead Nigeria’s attack.
Reacting under one of Onuachu’s social media posts before departing for Cameroon’s camp in Morocco, Onana commented:
“Why are you not coming?”
The friendly exchange quickly caught fans’ attention, sparking debates among Nigerian supporters who questioned Chelle’s selection decisions — especially given Onuachu’s consistent scoring form in Turkey’s Super Lig, including a recent goal in Trabzonspor’s 1-1 draw against Alanyaspor.
Onuachu, who last featured for the Super Eagles in 2023 under coach Finidi George, has yet to earn a recall under Chelle’s tenure.
With the qualifiers fast approaching, fans will be watching closely to see whether Nigeria’s chosen strike force can justify the exclusion of one of Africa’s most prolific forwards.
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