8th November, 2012
Reactions have continued to trail the decision of Super Eagles’ coach, Stephen Keshi to recall some players into the team that would do battle against Venezuela in an international friendly match billed for 14 November in Miami, Florida, United States of America.
Keshi yesterday released a list of 11 foreign-based players that would complement the 11 home-based players that would prosecute the friendly match. But he has since come under fire over the list of foreign-based players recalled into the team.
Ex-international, Jonathan Akpoborie took a swipe at Keshi for recalling Rennes of France defender, Onyekachi Apam into the team after a long layoff, saying his recall was ill timed. While Akpoborie was bitter over the invitation of Apam and other players, another ex-international defender, Garba Lawal said the recall of Levante of Spain’s Obafemi Martins and the invitation of Shola Ameobi of Newcastle United of England is a welcome development, as it would bring healthy rivalry in the team.
According to the former JC Roda of Holland star “I don’t see anything bad in the recall and invitation of some players for the Venezuela friendly match,. The coach knows the players that can fit into his plans, that’s why he invited them, there is nothing wrong in that”.
The list of Invited foreign pros for the friendly are: Goalkeeper: Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)
Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (FC Braga, Portugal); Onyekachi Apam (Rennes, France)
Midfielders: Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Raheem Lawal (Adana Demirspor, Turkey)
Forwards: Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine); Victor Moses (Chelsea, England); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Obafemi Martins (Levante FC, Spain) .
Meanwhile, the list of Home-based that would join their foreign counterparts is expected to be made public on Saturday by the technical crew.
—Adebobola Alawode