Many players of the Super Eagles are considering retirement from international duties after they lost 2-1 to Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.
Media personality, Tobi Adepoju on his Twitter page, @OgaNlaMedia, quoting a source from the Super Eagles camp.
He wrote, “Sources inside the Super Eagles camp are suggesting a lot of players are considering retirement.
“Jose Peseiro’s contract also ends with the AFCON.
“This is the time for the NFF to engage the players and create the atmosphere that they are loved and the AFCON setback is not the end of life, we can continue working and win in 2025.
“Yes, some players are due for retirement and those due for retirement will make an announcement in the next few weeks, but the names my sources told me should still be in the team for next year’s AFCON and 2026 World Cup, players below 30.”
William Troost-Ekong had put the Eagles ahead in the 38th minute, nodding in from a corner, before Franck Kessie drew level in a similar fashion in the 62nd minute.
Sébastien Haller scored the winning goal for the hosts in the 81st minute to secure a memorable AFCON title.
Many fans have heaped blames and criticised the Super Eagles players for a below-par performance against the Elephants after the loss.
Bold Sports gathered that among those who might be considering retirement or taking a break from the national team is Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi who has been singled out for criticism.
Iwobi who is a frequent social media user has deleted all but one content on his Instagram page which has over 1.3 million followers.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye suffered similar fate at the last 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, after fans singled him out for blame after Tunisia knocked out Nigeria in the round of 16. He shunned invitations to the Eagles thereafter.
Also likely to likely to retire is team captain, Ahmed Musa, who failed to get any game time at the AFCON.
While many questioned Peseiro’s inclusion of the 31-year-old, the Portuguese coach in defence, said his leadership qualities has been of immense importance to the team.
“Musa is an important player for us, even if he hasn’t play any game. He has not complain or give us any problem,” Peseiro said during his interaction with the media on Saturday.
“He has advised me on so many things and is always ready to support his teammates.
“I seek his advice on so many things because he has played at the AFCON before and is also experienced.
“He is the star of the team and commands a lot of respect from his teammates.”
