9 March 2011
Nigerias Super Eagles have picked Everton striker Victor Anichebe ahead of Obafemi Martins as a direct replacement for injured Turkey-based striker Emmanuel Emenike for a forthcoming Nations Cup qualifier versus Ethiopia.
MTNFootball.com exclusively gathered that Birmingham City cup hero Martins was pencilled to replace Emenike before the team selectors finally settled for Anichebe.
The choice was between Martins and Anichebe to replace Emenike, who is injured. In the end, Anichebe got the nod, a top team source told MTNFootball.com
Anichebe, who featured for Siasia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has returned to action after a long-term injury.
He received a late invitation for last months friendly against Sierra Leone in Lagos, but stayed away.
The squad coach Samson Siasia will name Thursday in Abuja will also have only two goalkeepers, Vincent Enyeama and Dele Aiyenugba, meaning no shot stopper from the Nigeria Premier League would be involved for the crucial Ethiopia clash.
However, several other NPL stars like Ekigho Ehiosun (Warri Wolves) and Osas Okoro, Chibuzor Okonkwo (Heartland) will be part of the Eagles latest squad.
Overall, Siasia will stick to the squad for the Sierra Leone friendly.
In continuation of the qualifying series for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria will host Ethiopia in Abuja on March 27.
