By: Gracious Akujobi
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has sent a provisional team list of 35 Golden Eaglets to the world soccer governing body, FIFA ahead of the 2013 Under-17 World Cup holding in the United Arab Emirates between October 17 and November 8.
This is in line with the regulations of the championship and it is from this pool of players that the final list of 21 would eventually be picked for the World Cup.
Those who made the list are key members of the team that won silver at the CAN Under-17 Championship in Morocco including Captain Musa Muhammed and star striker, Isaac Success.
Others are Chidera Ezeh; Kelechi Iheanacho;Musa Yahaya,Saliu Ali-Baba, Akinjide Idowu, Taiwo Awoniyi,Chidiebere Nwakali, Goalkeeper Yinka Adewale and amongst others.
Notable new faces in the team include all-action striker, Theophilus Solomon and Chelsea’s teenage sensation, Habib Makanjuola who is expected in camp upon release by his English Premiership side.
Golden Eaglets Head coach, Manu Garba, said the 35 players on the list have been carefully selected based on merit, adding that there is no longer opportunity to try out new players as the preparations for the World Cup is well underway.
“We want to use this opportunity to thank all the players who came around during the past few weeks to see if they can get the opportunity to be part of the team,” Garba said.
“We are happy with the calibre of players that we have selected with the confidence that we shall produce a formidable team for the World Cup.”
He continued:” Of course, there is no room to see new players after the submission of the provisional list of 35 players to FIFA out of which we are going to pick the squad for the World Cup.
“We want to count on the support of Nigerians towards a successful outing at the World Cup and on our own part; we are going to do our best.”
In a related development, the Nigeria Football (NFF) has enjoined Nigerians to give the Golden Eaglets’ and their officials the desired support.
Coach Siji Lagunju, Chief Technical Officer at the NFF, said the technical crew need total concentration in other to build a team that the country would be proud of at the World Cup.
“There is no doubt that the serious work has begun following the submission of the provisional list to FIFA by the NFF and that means the coaches should not be distracted.
“We all need to support and give them the necessary encouragement so that the Golden Eaglets can do well at the World Cup,” he advised.
