Mixed reactions have continued to trail Eagles 23-man list for the AFCON 2015 qualifiers. Honourable Sabo Babayaro, The father of Nigerian sport legends, Emmanuel and Celestine Babayaro believes that the exclusion of Manchester City youngster, Iheanacho was not appropriate adding that he could contribute immensely to the squad.
He told SL10, “I think it was wrong to leave Iheanacho out, for two reasons, first of all his performances during Man City tour of USA should have earned him a spot in the team. Secondly, it would have been a wise idea to include him in the Eagles rooster because when he turns 18, Man City will have a strong case in using the special talent rule to get him a work permit.
“They will argue that a 17-year-old in the senior national team of Africa’s champion deserves to be termed special and of course integrate him now so he can get the 75% national team game required by foreigners to play in the Premier League.
“I think it was an oversight but it can still be corrected because in the past Kanu and co were stars at the Under-17 and they were integrated early into the Super Eagles.
Below is the full list of invited players:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United, Nigeria)
Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria)
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Joel Obi (Inter Milan, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Omatsone Aluko (Hull City, England)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Chinedu Obasi (Schalke 04, Germany); Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen FC, Netherlands); Nnamdi Oduamadi (AS Varese 1910, Italy); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Christian Osaguona (Enugu Rangers)