BY MOSES ETU
After much delay which kept stakeholders apprehensive, the Nigerian Football Federation finally released the AFCON list for the next African Cup of Nations.
The 28 man list contained some new comers albeit to say that as expected, no home based made the list.
The surprise inclusion happens to be Uzoho Francis who last played for the team four years ago. His inclusion against popular choice, Maduka Okoye has raised questions among stakeholders because Okoye seems to be doing well in his club, Udinese in Italy.
Analysts also questioned the choice of Aweziem Chidozie who derived joy in warming the bench.
No doubt, the selection of a few indicates that Coach Chille’s hand must have been tied.
The Coach should be reminded that Nigerians will hold him responsible for whatever happens at the competition.
However, our major concern here is to enjoin the Nigerian Football Federation bigwigs to put their house in order before the commencement of the event in Morocco.
For point of emphasis, the list is reproduced below:
Goalkeepers
Stanley Bobo Nwabali – Chippa United, South Africa
Francis Uzoho – Omonia FC, Cyprus
Amas Obasogie – Singida Black Stars, Tanzania
Defenders
Calvin Chinedu Bassey – Fulham FC, England
Oluwasemilogo Ajayi – Hull City, England
Chidozie Awaziem – Nantes FC, France
Igoh Ogbu – SK Slavia Prague
Samuel Bright Osayi – Birmingham City, England Ryan Alebiosu – Blackburn Rovers, England Bruno Onyemaechi – Olympiakos, Greece Zaidu Sanusi – FC Porto, Portugal
Midfielders
Alex Iwobi – Fulham FC, England Frank Onyeka – Brentford FC, England Usman Muhammed – Ironi Tiberias, Israel Wilfred Ndidi – Beşiktaş FC, Turkey Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – Lazio FC, Italy Raphael Onyedika Nwadike – Club Brugge, Belgium
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro – Pisa FC, Italy Tochukwu Nnadi – SV Zulte Waregem, Belgium
Forwards
Ademola Olajide Lookman – Atalanta BC, Italy Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze – Fulham, England Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray FC, Turkey Moses Simon – Paris FC, France Cyriel Dessers – Panathinaikos, Greece Adams Akor – Sevilla FC, Spain Chidera Ejuke – Sevilla FC, Spain Paul Ebere Onuachu – Trabzonspor, Turkey Salim Fago Lawal – NK Istra 1961, Croatia.
It is therefore pertinent to remind the NFF of the following to be done so as to avoid embarrassment before, during and after the competition.
It is an open secret that Super Eagles coach has not been paid, and the blame is already moving. When a salary issue starts bouncing from office to office, something deeper is wrong.
A senior official has now said that any questions about Eric Chelle’s unpaid wages should be taken straight to the National Sports Commission under Shehu Dikko.
That reaction alone paints a clear picture. Instead of a firm answer, the issue is being passed around like a loose ball in midfield.
This is the same pattern that frustrated coaches before him. Gernot Rohr faced it. Peseiro complained about it. Now Chelle is preparing for AFCON while waiting for salaries that should have been settled long before camp opened.
A coach cannot plan confidently when the people meant to support him are shifting responsibility. If a country wants top-level results, it must fix the basics first. Who should Nigerians hold responsible should the Super Eagles fail to fly in Morocco as a result of another payment’s issue?
Hotel Accommodation: The issue of accommodation has always generated distraction as witnessed in their play-off when Iwobi came out with the picture of the sub standard hotel provided for them.
NFF this time should learn from that experience and make hay when the sun shines.
Bonuses: This is another issue which must be tackled before the commencement of the game In Morocco.
We are all aware of that ugly experience when the team boycotted their training before the play off which sent jitters round the country.
The news is everywhere that the former Captain, William Ekong was forced out of the team because of that strike. However, we are saying a repeat of that is not acceptable to Nigerians and as such, it must be well discussed and arrears settled before going to Morocco.
The issue of bonuses and allowances for the next AFCON should also be discussed and sealed with the players so that all can fully concentrate for the competition.
Let the truth be told, anything short of the trophy with the array of stars in the team will not be acceptable.
The Super Eagles have it takes to deliver if the NFF, players and supporters work together, devoid of the rancor witnessed in the previous competitions.
