The waiting game for home-based players who will make the Nations Cup qualifier against Rwanda came to an end on Saturday when the technical crew named the lucky 11 players that will join an equal number of Europe-based players for the crucial qualifier against the Wasps of Rwanda.
It was another painful decision by Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, and his crew as they again took time off to explain to the players that they are as good as those that have been chosen for the trip but not all can make the trip.
“Many are called but few are chosen. Just put in more effort and you will be back here soonest,” Keshi told the players after Assistant Coach, Dan ‘the Bull’ Amokachi, named the five casualties.
The five players dropped from camp were Sharks goalie, Okemuteh Odah; Warri Wolves midfielder, Ossai Uche; Heartland’s striker, Izu Azuka; Akwa United’s Solomon Jabason; and baby-faced striker, Barnabas Imenger of Kwara United.
As expected, Warri Wolves keeper, Chigozie Agbim, leads ten others that include his club teammates, Azubuike Egwueke and striker Sunday Mba, Papa Idris and Reuben Gabriel both of Kano Pillars and Sunshine Stars of Akure skipper Godfrey Oboabona.
There is also Juwon Oshaniwa of Sharks of Port Harcourt , Heartland’s Bartholomew Ibenegbu and Obinna Nwachukwu, Rangers International’s diminutive winger, Ejike Uzoenyi, with Enyimba of Aba’s hitman, Uche Kalu, completing the list.
Speaking on the decampment, upcoming striker, Solomon Jabason, said it was quite an experience for him to have been invited to the national camp and vowed that in due course he would bounce back to the team.
“The coaching crew has told us that we still have a 100 per cent chance of making it and I have promised myself that I will be back soon even as I wish the team well in Kigali,” he said with smiles.