Jose Peseiro has picked Frank Onyeka to his 25-man roster for the next Africa Cup of Nations tournament in 2023.
According to Soccernet.ng, Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka is confident in his team’s capacity to cope with the likely absence of African players during the next Africa Cup of Nations.
With the AFCON scheduled to begin on January 13, Onyeka, a key member of Brentford’s squad, is poised to depart for national team duty after being named to Jose Peseiro’s 25-man squad list.
Brentford’s current five-game losing skid against opponents such as Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Sheffield United, Wolves, and Brighton presents a difficult scenario, especially with important players due to miss the AFCON tournament.
Despite the team’s recent troubles, Onyeka is confident in the squad’s ability to manage this difficult phase while he is away.
“It’s not going to be easy. But I know the team – they are strong,” shared the 25-year-old with BBC Sport Africa.
According to the Nigerian international, Brentford has enough players to replace the absent players: “When someone leaves, another person is there to take their place.”
Onyeka emphasized his enthusiasm to represent Nigeria at this important competition, anticipating his position in the Super Eagles squad.
“It’s an honour to wear the green and white shirt,” he affirmed. “I was a boy playing in the streets of Nigeria, and now I’m representing the Super Eagles at AFCON.”
Onyeka is gearing up for his second AFCON appearance in January, as Nigeria aims for their fourth AFCON trophy with a fixture against Cote d’Ivoire.
Reflecting on his journey, the Super Eagles midfielder expressed his excitement about participating in the tournament.
“It is a dream come true because after watching AFCON legends in past years, now you’re going to be part of the team. I’m looking forward to it so much.” Said the Brentford midfielder.
With previous AFCON experience, Onyeka made his debut against Guinea Bissau in Nigeria’s 2-0 triumph.
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