Jordan Torunarigha refutes claims he demanded guarantees to remain in Nigeria’s AFCON squad.
Hamburger SV defender Jordan Torunarigha has dismissed claims that he asked to be removed from Nigeria’s provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Reports had suggested that head coach Eric Chelle trimmed the initial 55-man squad to 54 after Torunarigha allegedly requested guarantees of a place in the final team and guaranteed playing time at the tournament.
Speaking from Germany, the Bundesliga centre-back and son of former Super Eagles player Ojokojo Torunarigha called the reports “false and baseless.”
“I saw the story the same way everyone else did. At first, I thought it was a dream,” he told Sunday Agunbiade of Mr VAR.
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“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 said he never placed conditions on his availability for Nigeria and described the rumour as 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 added.
He also reaffirmed his respect for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and coach Chelle, wishing the team success at the AFCON tournament.
Torunarigha previously represented Germany at youth level before committing to Nigeria and currently plays for Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga.
By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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