The Mainz 05 defender had been sensationally left out of the Nigeria squad when it was announced on Thursday but has now been included by the interim coachCoach Samson Siasia has extended invitation to Mainz 05 defender Leon Balogun ahead of this month’s Africa Cup of Nations pair of qualifiers against Egypt, bringing to 21 the number of overseas–based players, according to a release by the NFF.The Super Eagles boss stated that there would be no sentiments or consideration of previous ability as only the training sessions in Kaduna and Alexandria would be used to decide the 18 players on the roll for each game.“These are two matches that we have to win. There would no looking at what someone has done in the past, or current form at club level. If you are doing well at your club at the moment and you can’t show ferocious form in training and ability to adapt to the environment, then you would have no place,” Siasia said.“I am excited at the debate that has been generated by the team list. You can never satisfy everyone. The important thing is that we know the players we want for these big games and we have invited them, and we believe in them to deliver.”The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations gold medallist assured that he has been speaking with all the players on the list and has received assurance that everyone is ready to give his all in both games.“We continue to ask for the support of every Nigerian as we count down to the two matches. Our people should believe that we can do it, and we will do it.”Nigeria host Egypt in Kaduna on Friday, March 25 and visit the Pharaohs in Alexandria on Tuesday, March 29 in two crucial 2017 Cup of Nations qualifiers.Egypt top the Group G table with six points, two more than the Eagles who are in second place.
The Mainz 05 defender had been sensationally left out of the Nigeria squad when it was announced on Thursday but has now been included by the interim coachCoach Samson Siasia has extended invitation to Mainz 05 defender Leon Balogun ahead of this month’s Africa Cup of Nations pair of qualifiers against Egypt, bringing to 21 the number of overseas–based players, according to a release by the NFF.
The Super Eagles boss stated that there would be no sentiments or consideration of previous ability as only the training sessions in Kaduna and Alexandria would be used to decide the 18 players on the roll for each game.
“These are two matches that we have to win. There would no looking at what someone has done in the past, or current form at club level. If you are doing well at your club at the moment and you can’t show ferocious form in training and ability to adapt to the environment, then you would have no place,” Siasia said.
“I am excited at the debate that has been generated by the team list. You can never satisfy everyone. The important thing is that we know the players we want for these big games and we have invited them, and we believe in them to deliver.”
The 1994 Africa Cup of Nations gold medallist assured that he has been speaking with all the players on the list and has received assurance that everyone is ready to give his all in both games.
“We continue to ask for the support of every Nigerian as we count down to the two matches. Our people should believe that we can do it, and we will do it.”
Nigeria host Egypt in Kaduna on Friday, March 25 and visit the Pharaohs in Alexandria on Tuesday, March 29 in two crucial 2017 Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Egypt top the Group G table with six points, two more than the Eagles who are in second place.
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