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Nigeria - We sympathise


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Berti's at it again - handing out caps to anyone :D

 

The invitation of 37 players to a provisional Super Eagles squad by newly appointed coach German Berti Vogts has come under severe criticism from the local media in Nigeria.

 

There were several surprise names included in the provisional squad released by the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) for the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda on 24 March.

 

The inclusion of names such as the England-based pair of Gabriel Agbonlahor and Victor Anichebe as well as the suspended Yakubu Aiyegbeni has caused a few raised eyebrows.

 

Maybe the most surprising name though is that of Israeli international Toto Tamuz, who is the son of ex-international Clement Temile.

 

Tamuz, who plays for Israeli top side Beitar Jerusalem, was born in Nigeria of parents who arrived in Israel illegally.

 

Despite appearing for the Israeli youth and senior side his application for Israeli citizenship has so far been denied and his case is currently on appeal at the Israeli Supreme Court.

 

Vogts' representative Emeka Ezeala says the list, which also includes three local-based players, has been chosen by Vogts and added the final 22-man squad will be released by the coach when he arrives in Nigeria next week.

 

"The list was compiled by Berti Vogts and it's just a provisional squad to alert the clubs these players play for," Ezeala told BBC Sport on Wednesday.

 

"There is no way all the 37-players will be present at the training camp; it was all done with professional intent.

 

"Hopefully, this will help prevent the usual reluctance by clubs to release players at a short notice.

 

"Whatever questions raised by the Nigeria media, Berti will be available in Nigeria with the final list for the game and hopefully that will bury all the fuss."

 

Provisional squad:

 

Goalkeepers

Greg Etafia (Moroka Swallows, South Africa), Austin Ejide (Bastia, France), Vincent Enyeama (Bnei Yehuda, Israel), Dele Aiyenugba (Enyimba), Carl Ikheme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)

 

Defenders

Celestine Babayaro (Newcastle, England), Ifeanyi Udeze (unattached), Taye Taiwo (Olympique Marseille, France), Isaac Okoronkwo (FC Moscow, Russia), Joseph Enakarhire (Bordeaux, France), Obinna Nwaneri (FC Sion, Switzerland), Joseph Yobo (Everton, England), George Abbey (Port Vale, England), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Nedum Onouha (Manchester City, England), Onyekachi Apam (Nice, France), Bob Osim (Heartlands), Rabiu Afolabi (Sochaux, France)

 

Midfielders Paul Obiefule (Viborg, Denmark), Mikel Jon Obi (Chelsea, England), Sani Kaita (Sparta Rotterdam, Holland), Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Seyi Olofinjana (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Oguchi Uche (Lobi Stars), Christian Obodo (Udinese, Italy)

 

Strikers Julius Aghahowa (Wigan, England),Martins Obafemi (Newcastle, England), Ayodele Makinwa (Lazio, Italy), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth, England), Ajide Akande (AC Bellinzona, Switzerland), John Utaka (Rennes, France), Osaze Odemwingie (Lille, France), Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Middlesbrough, England), Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona, Italy), Toto Tamuz (Beitar Jerusalem, Isreal), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa, England), Victor Anichebe (Everton, England)

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