4th August, 2010
A rash of withdrawals from his Europe-based players has forced Nigeria caretaker coach Austin Eguavoen to look up to home-based players to prosecute the 11 August international friendly against South Korea in Seoul.
The former international defender, along with Ben Iroha, who has since last week been training the local league players for the friendly tie are disappointed with the decision of several of the country’s top stars to stay away from the match.
He said the unfortunate situation has left him with no option than to use the domestic league stars to prosecute the encounter.
“He has said that he will take at least 10 home-based players to Seoul for the friendly,†NFF Acting Chief Media Officer Robinson Okosun told KickOffNigeria.com.
The withdrawal has given the likes of Bassey Akpan (Bayelsa FC), Terna Suswam (Lobi Stars), Valentine Nwabili (Enyimba FC), Gabriel Reuben (Enyimba FC), Promise Onuh (Tornadoes FC), Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars), Solomon Okpako (Kano Pillars), Uche Nwafor (3SC), Gbolahan Salami (Sunshine FC), Taiwo Hassan (3SC), Eugene Salami (Tornadoes FC), Chigozie Agbim (Warri Wolves), Moses Bunde (Lobi Stars), Nnaemeka Anyanwu (Enyimba FC), Emmanuel Anyanwu (Enyimba FC), Chidiebere Okoli (Sharks FC), King Osanga (Heartland FC), John Owoeri (Heartland FC), Femi Balogun (Kaduna United), Ugwu Uwadiegu (Rangers FC), Suleiman Ismaila (Lobi Stars),and Fengor Ogude (Warri Wolves) the golden opportunity to showcase their talent and prove their relevance in the senior national.
“I’m happy we have other players here who can use this platform to prove themselves,†Eguavoen told BBC Sport.
“We have to make do with what we have; we will be parading a mix of experience and youth in Korea.