Philip Asuquo says he is not surprised he was not called up for Nigeria's Africa Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier against Ivory Coast.
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The 3SC midfielder has been in good form for his club, and having made his international debut last year, it was widely expected he would be considered for the Chan qualifying matches.
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However, his name was missing from a list of 24 players picked from the local league for the crunch tie.
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He told supersport.com: "I wasn't expecting to be invited simply because I've been there before, so it doesn't surprise me at all.
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"Though I was part of the senior team before the 2013 Africa Nations Cup, I have not been invited since we won the cup.
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"The Chan may be restricted to home-based players, but it is still up to the coaches to make the selection.
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"They have done that and we have to respect their choices, because they know the qualities they are looking for in a player.
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"I've been in good form with my club this season, and for me, that is what matters most."
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Asuquo, however, is backing Nigeria to qualify for the finals of the tournament to be hosted by South Africa.
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"I am confident we will beat Ivory Coast and make it to South Africa," he said.
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"The coach has done a good job on the home-based players, and if I'm called up after this stage, I'll be happy to fight for a place in the team."
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Asuquo was called up to the senior side last year, and made his debut for the Super Eagles in August against Niger Republic.
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The first leg of the Chan qualifying tie between Nigeria and Ivory Coast is billed for Saturday, July 6, in Kaduna, while the return leg comes up in Abidjan on July 27.
This players just have to always respect the coach's decision. The coach knows better than them....