‘I was surprised’ - Frank Onyeka’s manager expresses shock at Chelle snubbing Super Eagles star

He has been crucial to the club's midfield, helping them reach 10th place in the Bundesliga, just three points away from a European spot.

Super Eagles star Onyeka has contributed two assists in 29 appearances across all competitions for Augsburg this season. 

He signed a contract with the team for a season-long loan from Brentford during the previous summer transfer window.

The 27-year-old's exclusion from Nigeria's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda last month was unexpected.

Thorup expressed his disappointment that his midfielder Onyeka, who he also coached at Midtjylland, was snubbed.

“Yeah, I think he (Onyeka) has played an amazing season in one of the top leagues in Europe. I was really surprised (that he was not called up to Nigeria’s squad),” Thorup told Oma Akatugba.

“I was sure that Frank was going to be part of it, I was even hoping he would be in the lineup and play from the beginning.

“We were all surprised, but that was the decision from the coach. Frank can only keep performing the way hes perfoming and hope he will be called up next time.”

Nigeria may call up 27-year-old Frank Onyeka for the upcoming Unity Cup. The Super Eagles could benefit from the defensive midfielder's work rate and defensive skills.