Paul Onuachu found the back of the net for Southampton, but his goal wasn’t enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at St Mary’s on Saturday.
Despite his performance, the striker’s exclusion from the Super Eagles squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers remains a significant talking point.
The Nigerian forward, left out of coach Eric Chelle’s final 23-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, sent a strong reminder of his abilities with a late goal against Wolves.
After Joergen Strand Larsen put the visitors ahead with a first-half header and a stunning second-half strike, Onuachu struck back for Southampton in the 75th minute, reacting quickly to a loose ball in the box and scoring with his left foot.
READ MORE:From Werder Bremen to Nigeria: Felix Agu explains why he turned his back on Germany
Though his effort gave Southampton fans a glimmer of hope, the goal proved to be a mere consolation as Wolves held firm to secure the three points.
Onuachu omitted by the Super Eagles for the World Cup qualifiers has now scored 3 EPL goals.
Onuachu’s omission from the Super Eagles squad has sparked questions, especially following his solid club performances. Despite being named in Nigeria’s provisional 39-man list for the World Cup qualifiers, Onuachu was ultimately left out when the final squad was announced.
Coach Chelle opted for the attacking trio of Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, and Umar Sadiq, leaving Onuachu on the sidelines.
The 30-year-old’s goal against Wolves serves as a powerful statement, reminding the Super Eagles coaching staff of his qualities as he continues to push for a recall to the national team.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Onuachu’s Future with the Super Eagles
Onuachu has firmly placed himself back in the conversation for the Super Eagles, while Southampton’s defeat to Wolves leaves them fighting relegation, his performance could be key to his future with Nigeria, as he looks to prove to Coach Chelle that he deserves another chance to don the Super Eagles jersey.
