SWAZI THRILLER:  MOSES, IHEANACHO DROPPED IN A SHOCK MARTINS RETURN

Super Eagles Coach Sunday Oliseh has released the list of players slated to battle Swaziland in Nigerians first World cup qualifier match in November. It is no longer news that the former captain of the team Vincent Enyeama and former goal poacher Emmanuel Emenike have both called it quit with the National Team as their names were conspicuously missing in the list. 

The biggest Surprise is  the return of Obafemi Martins who last featured for Nigeria in world cup qualifier match against Kenya in March 2013. Martins forced  his return to the national team with his impressive display in MLS.

When contacted, Obafemi Martins said

I thank coach Oliseh for this great opportunity. I'm just looking forward to going out there and playing for Nigeria again," .

What is most disturbing in the list is the absence of Victor Moses who has shone like a million stars in the colors of West Ham United.  Many are wondering if the performance of Moses Simon in the match against Cameroun has forced Eagles gaffer to change his mind Victor Moses just like it was speculated that the performance of Carl Ikeme forced   Oliseh to do away with Enyeama.

Another player whom Nigerian fans are seriously clamoring for  his inclusion is the inform young  Manchester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho. Pundits have predicted that he is the missing link in the Nigerian Midfield that parades the likes of Mikel and Onazi.  Iheanacho have been particularly impressive playing behind Wilfred Bony in Manchester City colors just the way he played behind Taiwo Awoniyi/ Isaac Success in his under 17 days.

Oliseh has however surprisingly kept faith in young Arsenal winger, Alex Iwobi and FC UFA of Russia midfielder Sylvester Igbonu.

Another player who should be in Sunday Oliseh’s radar is the highly impressive bundesliga striker Anthony Ujah of Werder Bremen who was part of Oliseh's first match as super Eagles gaffer.  Oliseh has however made it clear that he cannot invite all the players at the same time.

Nigeria squad:

Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Dele Alampasu (Club de Sportivo Feirense, Portugal)

Defenders: Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Kalu Orji (Enugu Rangers FC); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz, Germany); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Wilfred Ndidi (KRC Genk, Belgium); Sylvester Igbonu (FC UFA, Russia)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Obafemi Martins (Seattle Sounders, USA)