Henry Onyekuru’s hopes of representing Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup have been dashed after he was omitted from the provisional 30-man list of players.

Hence, the main reason for the on-loan Everton forward’s omission is not relatively unknown as he has just returned from a long-term injury.

But opinions have it that his ‘selfish’ Belgian side’ intention of keeping him in the Jupiler Division for the next season could be responsible for stopping him from making the Super Eagles squad list.

“Onyekuru not playing since his full recovery from injury is not funny. He has not been played for Anderlecht’s main team after his recovery not because he is not fit but because of what I will call selfish interest.

“The club want him to stay for another season and know Henry will get a work permit to play for Everton if he features at the Russia 2018 World Cup. It’s looking like the coach is trying to prevent that from happening.

Belgian media, on the other hand, reported that Onyekuru has suffered a relapse of his knee problem, one that at one stage looked like it might require corrective surgery.

“Henry has played for the reserve team and it was obvious in those games he is fully fit. In fact, the club’s fans are not happy because Anderlecht lost in the championship to Standard Liege at home.

With the player needing to play a certain percentage of matches before he can qualify for a work permit to play in the Premier League, it looks as though he will need to remain out on loan in Europe next season, be that with Anderlecht or another club.