Victor Moses and Isaac Success face uncertain futures for the Super Eagles after refusing call-ups for the recent World Cup qualifying fixture against Zambia. The Nigerian Football Federation has accused both players of feigning injury in order to escape international duty, with an investigation set to be launched into their conduct. FIFA rules indicate that players can receive domestic bans if they do not have a good reason to be absent, but although the NFF may not take the matter to FIFA, there is every possibility that internal sanctions will be made. Both players have enjoyed good form with Chelsea and Watford respectively, but while a number of Super Eagles stars can be backed to shine in the English Premier League via Betway when betting online, Moses and Success may no longer be part of Gernot Rohr’s plans.
19-year-old Wikki Tourist striker and leading Nigerian Premier League goalscorer Godwin Obaje received a deserved call-up alongside Enugu Rangers midfielder Chisom Egbuchalem as Nigeria picked up what could prove to a crucial win against Zambia, with rising stars Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho scoring in a 2-1 victory. However, the absence of Moses and Success has taken the shine off the result, with the suspicious nature of their withdrawals creating a big question mark over their international futures with the Super Eagles.
Chelsea and Watford sent letters to the NFF which claimed that their respective player was injured and unable to play for Nigeria, but representatives believe that Moses and Success were fit and ready to represent their country after putting in good performances. Reports also indicate that Success refused to pay for his own plane ticket to Abuja, despite the fact that it could be claimed back on expenses as part of the standard procedure which comes with playing for the Super Eagles. It leaves a bleak picture for both players, and while Nigerian fans will be watching from the terraces and betting online with Betway during the upcoming fixture against Algeria at the Akwa Ibom Stadium in Uyo, Moses and Success are likely to be left at home.
Both players certain have the quality to make a big impact with the Super Eagles, with Moses looking assured as a wing-back for Chelsea. He will, however, need regular first-team football in order to get past Iwobi and Moses Simon who have been impressive in recent games, but Rohr will certainly take a dim view if it is proven that he feigned injury to remain in London. Success, on the other hand, is another of what could be a new golden generation of Nigerian stars, with the 20-year-old certainly showing his talent and ability in the English Premier League. Rohr would love to have another player with raw potential at his disposal, but if reports over his plane ticket are proven to be true, then it may be a while until fans see Success play for the Super Eagles again.
