Augsburg boss Thorup reveals his surprise after Onyeka’s Super Eagles snub

• Augsburg coach Jess Thorup was left baffled by Frank Onyeka’s exclusion from Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers squad despite his standout Bundesliga season.
• Onyeka has played a key role for Augsburg this season, making 29 appearances and helping them push for European qualification.
• The 27-year-old has been a workhorse in Augsburg’s midfield, helping the club remain unbeaten in eight of their last nine matches.

Augsburg manager Jess Thorup has voiced his bewilderment after Nigerian midfielder Frank Onyeka was left out of the Super Eagles’ squad for the March 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. 

Onyeka, currently on loan from Brentford, has been a key figure in Augsburg’s midfield, helping the Bundesliga club push toward European qualification.

The 27-year-old midfielder has featured in 29 matches across all competitions for Augsburg, registering two assists and playing a pivotal role in the team’s run to 10th in the Bundesliga. His energy and intensity have made him a regular in Thorup’s tactical setup, with the club now just three points away from a European spot.

Despite his contributions, Onyeka was omitted from Nigeria’s final 23-man squad to face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in March, although he initially made the 39-man provisional list. 

His absence did not go unnoticed, especially by Thorup, who had also previously managed Onyeka during their time together at Danish side Midtjylland.

In an interview with Oma Akatugba, Thorup said he was “really surprised” by the decision, noting that he believed Onyeka had done more than enough to earn a spot, 

“He has played an amazing season in one of the top leagues in Europe, we were all surprised. I thought he would not just make the squad but start the game,” Thorup said.

Thorup added that the midfielder should keep up his strong performances and hoped the Nigerian national team selectors would reconsider him in future call-ups, 

“He just needs to continue what he’s doing,” he advised.

Nigeria eventually collected four points from the two games, but many pundits have suggested Onyeka’s presence could have added much-needed balance in midfield. With the Unity Cup approaching later this year, Onyeka may still have a shot at a national team return.

For now, the hardworking midfielder remains focused on finishing the season strong with Augsburg and possibly leading them to their first taste of European football since 2015.

“I rushed to meet his dad,” Ex-NFF boss Pinnick reflects on convincing Lookman to join Super Eagles

Previously, TheRadar reported that Amaju Pinnick, former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has revealed the extensive efforts that culminated in Ademola Lookman’s first competitive appearance for the Super Eagles in March 2022. 

The revelation comes after Lookman was crowned African Footballer of the Year on Monday, December 16 in Morocco, a milestone Pinnick regards as validation of the groundwork laid during his tenure.