What Cost Two Nigerian Players Their Super Eagles Chances Ahead of Tanzania Clash

According to a report by OwnGoalNigeria on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has reportedly explained the reasons behind the exclusion of Nigerian players Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Ryan Alebiosu from his plans ahead of the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Tanzania.

The decision is believed to be connected to the players’ refusal to take part in the 2026 Unity Cup tournament, an action that reportedly left the Franco-Malian manager disappointed.

Despite producing impressive performances for their respective clubs, neither player is expected to be considered for Nigeria’s upcoming international fixtures.

Akinsanmiro, who currently represents Italian Serie A side Monza, has been enjoying a positive spell of form. However, his reported decision to turn down an invitation to participate in the Unity Cup is said to have affected his position in the national team.

According to the report, Alhassan Yusuf used the opportunity provided by the tournament to impress the coaching staff and earn his way back into the Super Eagles squad, eventually taking the place that could have been occupied by Akinsanmiro.

A similar situation reportedly occurred with Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, who represented Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations in January, including the final group-stage match against Uganda.

His decision to miss the Unity Cup created an opportunity for Abdullahi Bewene, who went on to establish himself as a backup option at right-back during the Super Eagles’ friendly matches against Poland and Portugal.

Chelle is now reportedly reluctant to bring either Akinsanmiro or Alebiosu back into the squad, regardless of the encouraging performances they have delivered at club level.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles are preparing for two important AFCON qualifying encounters against Tanzania as they look to recover from their disappointing 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau in their previous Group L fixture.

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