Siasia's 24-man Squad for Ethiopia

Siaisia's 24-man squad for Ethiopia, generally speaking represents a good balance between youth and experience, established internationals and emerging talents. Two homebased players, Chibuzor Okonkwo and Ekigho Ehiosun are retained from the friendly against Sierra Leone, while Ike Uche makes a wellcome return from long term injury.

With Micheal Odibe failing to impress in the friendly, Efe Ambrose is rewarded for a solid start to his career in Europe (Isreal). Further debuts are granted to Nnamdi Odumadi from Milan and Fengor Ogude, ex-Warri Wolves and current Valerenga central attacking midfielder. Odumadi is a talented player with good engine and delivery from wide left or right, but sometimes lacking decisiveness. Fengor on the other hand is a clever player, but would need a lot of guidance in both movement in finding and utilizing space, and decisionmaking, especially in getting him to completely buy into the modern team game.

In defence, I continue to question the wisdom of persisting with Olubayo Adefemi. Physically he was never the quickest player available, and following several injuries has lost a few more steps. In my opinion, Luqmon Adekunle at FC Lucerne should be considered, as should the U-20 and Igbino Babes defender Aigbe Oliha. Too often, our best homebased players can be found in our youth teams, and we deny ourselves the benefit of their best years by persisting in using them at a level that is below their standards.

With Mikel still recovering from injury, Obiora Nwankwo looks set to start in defensive midfield, with Joel Obi beside him in center midfield-left. I would again recommend that Siasia and his team look at Samson Godwin as an option in defensive midfield.

But the most important issues are of a tactical nature, especially with regards to the positioning of players and their movement in the non-possession phase of the ball. The main evaluation points for this game would be the following:

1. the setup of the defensive line and the effective execution of a pressing system

2. movement of players in the non-possession phase of the game

3. tempo and speed of the passing game as well as transition

4. the roles of the wide players, be they wide midfielders or wide forwards; and  

5. ability to execute a controlled possession game in central midfield, especially with the likely absence of Mikel.

Full squad below:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama, Dele Aiyenugba

Defenders: Chibuzor Okonkwo, Olubayo Adefemi, Taye Taiwo, Uwa Echiejile, Joseph Yobo, Dele Adeleye, Efe Ambrose

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi, Obiora Nwankwo, Joel Obi, Fengor Ogude, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Kalu Uche, Ahmed Musa

Strikers: Osaze Odemwingie, Victor Anichebe, Peter Utaka, Obinna Nsofor, Ikechukwu Uche, Ekigho Ehiosun, Solomon Okoronkwo, Obafemi Martins