Torunarigha Denies Opting Out of AFCON Squad

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Hamburger SV defender Jordan Torunarigha has dismissed as false and baseless reports claiming he asked to be removed from the Super Eagles’ provisional list for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Some media outlets had reported that head coach Eric Chelle trimmed his initial 55-man provisional squad to 54 because Torunarigha allegedly demanded guarantees of a place in the final list and playing time at the tournament.

Speaking from Germany in a chat with Agunbiade (Mr VAR), the Bundesliga centre-back and son of former Super Eagles star Ojokojo Torunarigha, said he was shocked when he saw the rumour online.

“I saw the story the same way everyone else did. At first I thought it was a dream,” he said. “I never made such a statement to any journalist. I challenge anyone to produce an audio recording. The report is baseless and only the writer’s imagination.”

Torunarigha stressed that he never placed conditions on his availability for Nigeria and found the rumour disrespectful.

“How can a full-blooded Nigerian, whose father played for the country, say such a thing? I even switched allegiance from Germany to Nigeria voluntarily,” he said.

He also reaffirmed his respect for the NFF and coach Eric Chelle, wishing the team success at the AFCON.

Torunarigha, who has represented Germany at youth level before switching to Nigeria, currently plays for Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga.