Vincent Enyeama dropped from Nigeria squad

Vincent Enyeama

Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has been dropped from the Super Eagles squad which will take on Guinea in a crucial African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier next month.

The Lille stopper’s omission comes after an outburst directed at the coach Samson Siasia.

Enyeama along with John Mikel Obi and Victor Anichebe had row with the coach over the team’s mode of travel for an Afcon qualifier against Madagascar. The trio demanded that the Super Eagles fly on a bigger aircraft directly to Antananarivo rather than on a chartered flight with a stop in Congo Brazzaville.

They were all subsequently dropped from the Argentina friendly in India and have been excluded since then from the national squad.

Enyeama, who was a star for the Super Eagles at last year’s Fifa World Cup in South Africa, apologised earlier this month to Siasia and Nigerian fans, but voices in Nigeria have kept asking for him to be left on the sidelines seeing as he has been relegated to the bench at his French side Lille.

Siasia has named three keepers – Dele Aiyenugba, Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim – to vie for the number one jersey but Aiyenugba, who has been in top-form recently, is expected to start between the sticks.

Flying save at the 2010 World Cup

Nigeria must beat Guinea with a two-goal difference to secure the lead in the group and a direct spot in next year’s Afcon tournament.

Siasia has also included five new faces which will join the squad ahead of Ghana’s friendly in 11 October: Ugo Ukah, Gege Soriola, Emmanuel Ekpo, Nosa Igiebor and Nnamdi Oduamadi.

Nigeria squad for Guinea tie

Goalkeepers: Dele Aiyenugba, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim

Defenders: Joseph Yobo, Taye Taiwo, Dele Adeleye, Elderson Echiejile, Chibuzor Okonkwo

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi, Obinna Nsofor, Joel Obi, Fengor Ogude, Uche Kalu, Ahmed Musa

Strikers: Peter Utaka, Ikechukwu Uche, Peter Odemwingie, Chinedu Obasi, Brown Ideye, Ekigho Ehiosun, Emmanuel Emenike

Players to join the squad for the Ghana game: Gege Soriola, Emmanuel Ekpo, Nosa Igiebor, Nnamdi Oduamadi and Ugo Ukah