22 April 2011
Nigeria coach Samson Siasia will include Arsenal starlet Chuks Aneke when he names the squad to battle Argentina in Abuja on June 1.
Last week, Siasia convinced the young midfielder, who has represented England at Under 18 level, to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria, and has now said he will bring him in as early as next month.
“We will invite him to come and have a feel of our squad, meet with the other players, see how we do things, and bond with the team,” Siasia said.
Aneke will rejoined by at least one of the other players Siasia has met in his travels.
“We would have liked to bring all of them, but we also have to look at the NFF’s financial position.
“But it’s important for these boys to come in and see that things are actually changing and they can have a better international future with Nigeria.
“Our focus is the 2014 World Cup, and some of these players will be at their peak by the time it comes around.”
Meanwhile, Chinedu Obasi was surprised and thrilled to see national coach Samson Siasia pay him a visit as he continues his recuperation from injury.
Obasi has been out for nearly a year after undergoing surgery, and is not expected to reach full fitness before the end of the current campaign.
“He was very happy to see me, and told me he is making progress with his recovery.
“I spoke to his coach and he told me that they are taking it easy with him because it was a serious operation that he had. So he may not return to full fitness until next season.
“But we have to be there for him and the other players who are injured to let them know we have not forgotten them.
“They are part of us, whether they are fit or not, and hopefully, we will have time to visit all the others.”
Another Nigerian-born player who is based in Germany, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Sydney Sam is mulling over an offer to switch his international allegiance to From Germany after a visit from Siasia.
“We met on Wednesday, and had a very good discussion,” Siasia said.
“He was open with me and happy to be considered, but says he needs time to think it over and consult with his family.”
The 23-year-old was born in Germany of Nigerian parentage, and has represented Germany at Under 19, Under 20 and Under 21 levels.
Siasia says there will be no pressure on the player, and the final decision will be entirely up to him to make.
“Well, it is his future, and we cannot put pressure on him. It his decision to make and we will give him time to make that decision.
“If he decides to stay with Germany, we will respect his choice and wish him well.”
