Oliseh Picks Five Home-Based For AFCON Clash

FSV Mainz 05 of Germany’s Leon Balogun (in Nigeria’s colours) is part of Sunday Oliseh’s foreign based pros for the Tanzania clash

Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has revealed he will pick five players from the domestic league to join the 18 foreign pros for a September 5 AFCON qualifier against Tanzania.
Twenty three players from the domestic league began training in Abuja yesterday under the supervision of the new coach.
The former Eagles captain also expressed satisfaction with the fitness level of the home boys, stressing that he expects them to improve as the camp progresses.
“I am impressed with their fitness level. It’s our session and what we are doing is to introduce to them how we want to play.
“The training was not bad but we have a lot of work to do. All we need is for the players to remember what we are working on and we will be fine.
“I am optimistic, but we have to get everybody on ground to know how optimistic we should be. But we also need to be realistic because we know we have to get the train on ground also.”
Meanwhile,he has picked Dubai-based striker Emmanuel Emenike among 18 overseas-based professionals for next month’s AFCON qualifier in Tanzania.
At the weekend, Emenike scored a brace to help Al Ain win the UAE Super Cup, but debate will rage on as to whether his call-up is not against Oliseh’s declaration to pick only players in the top leagues.
Skipper Vincent Enyeama, Kenneth Omeruo, Rabiu Ibrahim, Lukman Haruna, Joel Obi, Ahmed Musa and Anthony Ujah are also on the squad.
However, there are a number of surprises, in line with Oliseh’s earlier pledge to make current form and first –level football key indices for selection.
There are Wolves of England goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, midfielder Izunna Ernest Uzochukwu and forwards Emem Eduok, Sylvester Igboun and Moses Simon.
All the 18 players, who will join up with the 23 players from the domestic league, are expected in Abuja not later than Monday, August 31.
THE FULL SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)
Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); William Troost Ekong (FK Haugesund, Norway); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa SK, Turkey)
Midfielders: Joel Obi (Torino FC, Italy); Izunna Ernest Uzochukwu (FC Amkar Perm, Russia); Obiora Nwankwo (Coimbra FC, Portugal); Lukman Haruna (Anzhi Machatsjkala, Russia); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emem Eduok (Esperance ST, Tunisia); Emmanuel Emenike (Al Ain, UAE); Anthony Ujah (Werder Bremen, Germany); Sylvester Igboun (FC UFA, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium)