Against this background, Siasia’s first squad appears safe and reasonable, if a little conservative, and breaks no major new grounds, except perhaps for the invitation of Emmanuel Emenike who is having a breakout season in Turkey and the young Inter Milan midfielder, Obiora Nwankwo.
As I have said before (See Here), the success of Siasia’s project will depend greatly on his ability to recruit players. So far he has made a good start here. But more needs to be done. It appears that there might have been a mix-up regarding Nedum Onuoha and his case may need to be revisited.
The success of Siasia’s project will also depend greatly on his professionalism, especially in establishing clear and transparent rationale for the invitation or non-invitation of players. In this regard, his decision to seek the assistance of agents in scouting for players, while understandable given the absence of a systematic framework for monitoring of Nigerian players, is nonetheless fraught with risks.
In defence, the choices at right back, Olubayo Adefemi and Chibuzor Okonkwo, easily the area of greatest need is at best curious. Adefemi’s attempt to ignite his career in Europe at AS Boulogne collapsed badly, punctuated by frequent injuries after a great start. Although he may have returned to more regular football at Skoda Xanthi, in the Greek Super League, his overall physical condition appears suspect and his defensive coverage weak. This is a player whose value in the short term is suspect, and in the long term below zero!
Chibuzor Okonkwo has remained in the frame of the national team in one form of the other since 2008. However, his fundamentals remain unchanged; a just above average defender, with a weak reading of the game, positioning and decision making.
It is my hope that in future games, a look might be extended to Babatunde Luqmon Adekunle who plays as a right back for FC Luzern.
The midfield selection can be summarized in one word- balance. But crucially, no attempt appears to have been made to recruit the Bayer Leverkusen left-midfielder, Sam John, a top talent with the skills set to make a decisive difference in the Super Eagles. Having lost Dennis Aogo to the German national team, all efforts should be made to recruit this player for Nigeria.
Another player overlooked is the defensive midfielder, Samson Godwin who plays in the Ukrainian club Karpaty Lviv.
In attack, much of the focus on this team list has revolved around the invitation of Shola Ameobi. Besides the strange fact of making his national team debut at 29 years, the Newcastle forward should bring experience and decisiveness to the central striker position. Indeed, I suspect that his late debut might turn out to be a blessing as he brings maturity to play in the process of integrating into the team.
He knows his way around the penalty area, and is a big boy who which should put him in good stead for the physical nature of African football. His valueand impact should be immediate. His contribution in the long term will remain to be seen.
THE FULL SQUADGOALKEEPERS: Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda, Israel)
DEFENDERS: Chibuzor Okonkwo (Heartland), Ayodele Adeleye (Metallurh Donetsk, Ukraine), Taye Taiwo (Olympic Marseille, France), Michael Odibe (A. C. Siena, Italy), Olubayo Adefemi (Skoda Xanthi, Greece), Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal), Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, Turkey)
MIDFIELDERS: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Obiora Nwankwo (Inter Milan, Italy), Victor Moses (Wigan Athletic, England), Bartholomew Ibenegbu (Heartland), Olufemi Ajilore (FC Groningen, The Netherlands)
FORWARDS: Ahmed Musa (V.V.V. Venlo, The Netherlands), Osaze Odemwingie (West Brom, England), Obinna Nsofor (West Ham, England), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle, England), Emmanuel Emenike (Karaburkspor, Turkey), Peter Utaka (Odense Boldklub, Denmark)
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