Written by Tosin Omojola
Saturday, 16 July 2011
NIGERIA’s coach, Samson Siasia will name Dynamo Kyiv new boy, Brown Ideye and US-based Emmanuel Ekpo for a friendly against Ghana on August 9.
According to MTNFootball.com findings, the two players are the notable new call-ups to the squad to take on the Black Stars of Ghana in London.
“Ideye was considered not only to meet the yearnings of soccer-loving Nigerians who have been demanding for him to be invited to the Super Eagles, but the technical crew of the team led by Siasia wants to determine if he could compete with other strikers in the team,” a top team official disclosed.
“But the player would have to give his all if he nurses the ambition of staying put in the Eagles as a regular because of the availability of array of top strikers already in the team.
Central midfielder Ekpo has equally been churning good performances for his American club for the past two seasons.
“Sincerely speaking, it would be tough for Ideye to snatch a shirt in the team considering the presence of top and on-form strikers now.
“But you know that Siasia is a very ambitious coach and don’t be surprised he could bench other top players should Ideye impress.”
Ideye netted 15 goals for French club Sochaux before his recent switch to Ukraine.
Siasia, MTNFootball.com also learnt, wants serious competition in the midfield and so the drafting of Columbus Crew star midfielder Ekpo, who he knows too well since he played under him at the Olympics in 2008.
Siasia is satisfied with the combination of Mikel Obi and Joel Obi in the middle but he wants option in case of injuries or club engagements that could prevent either player from playing for him.
The Super Eagles squad for the Ghana showdown will be announced Friday.