Everton striker Henry Onyekuru is still disappointed he was not included in Nigeria's 23-man roster for the 2018 World Cup and has admitted that he had a difficult season at RSC Anderlecht.

However, he is backing the Super Eagles to do well at the World Cup and urged Nigerians to pray for their success.

''It has taken me some time to sit and reflect over the past year. Although it is disappointing not to be selected after a difficult season, everything is God's will,'' Onyekuru said in a statement he released through social media.

''I have faith in my brothers to make Nigeria proud, I am not there in body but definitely in spirit. I will support and watch the team every step of the way.

''As a country we must pray and get behind the team to hopefully make history.''

Henry Onyekuru, who is celebrating his 21st birthday today, has one cap for the Super Eagles and didn't feature for the country during the World Cup qualifiers.

No player on the books of a Belgian club has been named in the national team's traveling party to Russia, with Moses Simon (Gent) and Uche Agbo (Standard Liege) axed from the final squad.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel