Germany 2006: Okocha, Oruma, Aiyegbeni Head Eagles List
Camp resumes August 31 in London _ Injured Martins doubtful
From Juliana Taiwo in Abuja
The Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Christian Chukwu yesterday named the Super Eagles Captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Wilson Oruma, Obafemi Martins and Yakubu Aiyegbeni as part of his 20-man team to execute the Zimbabwe match to be played next month in Harare.
However, fresh reports from Italy indicated that Martins may not be available for the World Cup/Nations Cup qualifier after picking up an injury just before Inter Milan's friendly with Bolton Wanderers.
According to Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the 19-year-old forward sprained his right knee and as a result, will miss the first leg of Inter's Champions League third qualifying round match against Swiss side Basel on 11 August and is also doubtful for the Zimbabwe game three weeks later.
In releasing the list early Chukwu explained that the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and the technical crew of the Super Eagles decided to release the names early to enable the players and their clubs be prepared for their release to execute the national assignment.
Other players invited are three goalkeepers - Vincent Enyeama, Sunday Rotimi and Greg Etafia. Joseph Yobo, Joseph Enakhire, Seyi Olajengbesi, Gabriel Melkam, Seyi Olofinjana, Garuba Lawal, John Utaka, Ifeanyi Ekwueme, Osaze Odemigwe, Julius Aghahowa, Batholomew Ogbeche and Christian Obodo.
Fielding questions from newsmen later, Chukwu said the Super Eagles would be going to attack in Harare because they desperately need an away win to maintain its top position in the group.
He further explained that the absence of Ifenyi Udeze from the list had nothing to do with his reported decision not to play for Nigeria again but because of his injury.
"He has assured me he will be ready before the match but I don't want to take chances. If he recovers before then I will definitely call him," he said.
On Okocha's plea that he be left out, the Coach said Okocha will continue to play for Nigeria whenever he is needed. "In fact he has been the one helping to communicate with other players on the need to respond to the call."
He said Kanu Nwankwo will be available for the Gabon match. "He was not invited because he has just been recently married and has just got a new club it is only fair he is allowed to work for his club at least for now."
Chukwu said the players are expected in London on August 31. He also had a closed door meeting with the Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima and Secretary General, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi to discuss his plans and modalities for the away match but details was not made available to the press.
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