Frank Onyeka disappointed by Nigeria snub in World Cup Qualifiers

The Nigerian, who is currently on loan from Premier League club Brentford FC, has been a key player for the German outfit since joining them in August, having made 26 appearances under coach Jess Thorp so far.

Speaking to SABC Sport at a Bundesliga tour, Onyeka insists he is always available for the national team.

"I was quite sad about it but again, the coach knows best. He knows what players he wants to use, but hopefully in the couple of games, I will be available, I'm always available, so hopefully I'll be with the team," Onyeka said.

Nigeria beat Rwanda 2-0 before playing to a draw against Zimbabwe – a result that upset a lot of their fans.

Augsburg coach Jess Thorup says he was also shocked that Onyeka didn’t make the cut after having a great season in an intense league like the Bundesliga.

"Yeah, me as well, I think he played an amazing season in one of the top leagues in Europe, so I was very surprised, I was sure that Frank was part of it. I was even hoping that he's probably gonna be in the lineup. So, I think we were all surprised but that's the decision from the coach and that's how it is, Frank can only continue performing like he's doing and then hope for being selected next time," Thorup said.

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The Super Eagles next host Rwanda before visiting group leaders Bafana Bafana in September for the next round of the qualifiers, and Onyeka has told SABC Sport they expect a difficult test – as always – against Hugo Broos’ charges.

"We are going to South Africa, it's not gonna be an easy game but obviously we're gonna do our best to get something out of South Africa,” Onyeka added.

“We played against South Africa in the AFCON and we played 1-1 but won in penalty shootouts, so it's not gonna be an easy game but again, we're gonna do what we need to do to get something out."