The Nigerian National Team manager on Thursday unveiled his 24-man army to prosecute the double-legged AFCON qualifiers against Swaziland and there were a few surprises.
Now, I don't like surprises but the invitation of exiled fan favourite, Obafemi Martins brought smiles to my heart. It has hurt to read about him banging in lots of goals, notching assists, and picking weekly awards while the Super Eagles was making do with goal-shy strikers.
Although, now at 31, not much can be expected of him for a much longer time but as
long as he's around and still making defenders look silly, then he's welcomed
to wear the green and white.
Then Kelechi Iheanacho.
Then Kelechi Iheanacho.
Obviously, Oliseh has had a little time to watch football while on his sick bed and probably saw the former Golden Eaglets star run riot for his club against Crystal Palace.
I thought that performance should have attracted an invite from Samson Siasia. But Oliseh hijacked that. All well and good.
What fans want is for the lad to be
nurtured to greatness.
Another good surprise.
I also noticed 6 home-based players on the list.
The likes of Sharks, Abia Warriors, Sunshine Stars and Enyimba FC were ably represented. I'm particularly delighted to see Paul Onobi who was critical in Sunshine's early title challenge before the Akure side faded out in the latter stages of the season.
However, I'm not particularly pleased with the inclusion of Efe Ambrose at this time. I know there are a few home-based defenders who would have filled his position more reliably. But Oliseh knows best.
There are the regular faces of Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi and Godfrey Oboabona. It's also good to see Arsenal's Alex Iwobi get a run in the team. It will help his confidence.
Another good surprise.
I also noticed 6 home-based players on the list.
The likes of Sharks, Abia Warriors, Sunshine Stars and Enyimba FC were ably represented. I'm particularly delighted to see Paul Onobi who was critical in Sunshine's early title challenge before the Akure side faded out in the latter stages of the season.
However, I'm not particularly pleased with the inclusion of Efe Ambrose at this time. I know there are a few home-based defenders who would have filled his position more reliably. But Oliseh knows best.
There are the regular faces of Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi and Godfrey Oboabona. It's also good to see Arsenal's Alex Iwobi get a run in the team. It will help his confidence.
Sunday Oliseh continues to spring the
surprises. And in a week when Nigerian football has enjoyed some good fortune
with the victories of the home-based Super Eagles and the Golden Eaglets, any
surprise will be taken in gladly.
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