Don’t overlook Iheanacho, Awoniyi, Fetuga tells Oliseh

Former international Olusegun Fetuga has advised Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh not to overlook the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi in his new-look Super Eagles as the coach makes effort to strengthen the team.

Oliseh is expected to name a preliminary squad when he returns to Nigeria next week ahead of their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in September.

While Oliseh is focussed on inviting only experienced players to the team, Fetuga believes key players in the Flying Eagles squad, which won the 2015 African Youth Championship and featured in the U-20 World Cup, are good enough for the senior team.

“Oliseh is professional enough to select his team without sentiment. I support his stand to invite only players with adequate experience; this is not the time to involve players who are benchwarmers at the clubs,” Fetuga said.

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“While I oppose the idea of involving all the players from the Flying Eagles in the Super Eagles programmes, I believe outstanding players like Iheanacho and Awoniyi have proven themselves worthy of being in the senior team.

“Iheanacho has been in the limelight for Manchester City throughout their pre-season activities. Any wise coach will know that this is the best time to get the player committed to his team. Awoniyi was also active for the national U-23 team despite not having a topflight club to play for.”

Fetuga said Oliseh’s rebuilding method should not be seen as a means of disintegrating the team following the sacking of Stephen Keshi as coach of the Super Eagles.

“Many people agreed that some players didn’t have the quality required to be in the Eagles before Oliseh came. The team should not be used for experiments to determine the level of intelligence of some players. It should be for professionals only,” Fetuga said.

“If Oliseh decides to invite only the best players from home and abroad, he should be supported. No sentiment should be attached. I don’t think his method will destabilise the team in any way. Only the best players will be retained in the team.”