Nigeria Coach, Sunday Oliseh, says there will
be a few surprises when his list of foreign-based
professionals to face Tanzania in next month’s Nations Cup qualifier is
released.
While reassuring that standard won't be
compromised, he also revealed how difficult it was for him reduce the names of
short-listed foreign-based players from 72 to 23.
The coach, who expects stiff competition
when camping kicks off in Abuja in a fortnight, refused to confirm or deny if
Manchester City's youngster Kelechi Iheanacho will be considered in his list.
Iheanacho has been in blistering form for
the Citizens in pre-season, scoring twice in five appearances.
The former Flying Eagles attacking
midfielder has also been promoted to the first team squad for the coming
Premier League season.
"I don't know and if I do, I won't
share with you". “But, there will be lots of surprises in the squad for
the Euro-based players. We have a target which is to win in Dar es Salaam” added
Oliseh.
The former national team captain handed
fresh call-ups to seven new players for the up-coming away fixture against
Tanzania, overlooking notable names such as Azubuike Egwuekwe, Rabiu Ali,
Daniel Akpeyi and a host of others in his new look home-based Super Eagles
squad.
Oliseh also hinted that his meeting with
Liverpool winger Jordan Ibe, was fruitful but was quick to add that nothing is
guaranteed at least for now confirming earlier report of the non-availability
of the Liverpool winger for Nigeria this year.
"We still have to make him see why
Nigeria is a better option for him. Talks are still on as regards that", concluded
Oliseh.
No comments:
Post a Comment