Shocker! Siasia drops Osaze for Ameobi in Argentina friendly

Posted by admin Headlines, Soccer, Sports Thursday, May 19th, 2011

Coach Samson Siasia has left out Osaze Odemwingie from his squad for June’s double header against Argentina and Ethiopia.

Instead, Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi has been called up to take part in the high-profile friendly against the South Americans in Abuja and an African Nations Cup qualifier in Addis Ababa.

Siasia also handed a recall to defender Yusuf Mohammed to plug the hole at right-back, with Heartland’s Chibuzor Okonkwo the only available right-back following the tragic loss of Adefemi Olubayo early this month.

Also recalled is Karabukspor striker Emmanuel Emenike.

List for Argentina, Ethiopia

Goalkeepers:
Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda, Israel), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Petah Tikva, Israel)

Defenders:
Chibuzor Okonkwo (Heartland FC, Nigeria), Yusuf Mohammed (Al Hilal, Sudan), Taye Taiwo (Olympique Marseille, France), Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine), Dele Adeleye (Metalurh Donetsk, Ukraine), Efe Ambrose (Ashdod MS, Israel).

Midfielders:
Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Joel Obi (Inter Milan, Italy), Fegor Ogwude (Valerenga, Norway), Kalu Uche (Almeria FC, Spain), Nosa Igiebor, Lillestrom FC, Norway), Nnamdi Oduamadi (AC Milan, Italy), Isaac Promise (Manisapor FC, Turkey)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (VVV Venlo, Netherlands), Victor Anichebe (Everton, England), Peter Utaka (Odense Boldklub, Denmark), Obinna Nsofor (West Ham, England), Ikechukwu Uche (Real Zaragoza, Spain), Ekigho Ehiosun (Warri Wolves, Nigeria), Emmanuel Emenike (Karabukspor FC, Turkey)

Standby: Victor Moses (Wigan FC, England), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle, England)

Why I dropped Osaze – Siasia

Nigeria coach Samson Siasia, who left out Osaze Odemwingie from his squad to face Argentina and Ethiopia next month, has explained why the West Brom striker was sidelined from the two crucial matches.

Siasia said last night that Odemwingie was dropped as punishment after missing the friendly against Kenya last month without permission.

“He [Odemwingie] broke camp rule by leaving without seeking permission during our last match,” said Siasia.
“Until he comes back to explain why he did that, the national team doors are not open to him.

“It was an act of indiscipline and we don’t condone that.”

Odemwingie was not included in the team despite scoring 15 goals in his debut season in the English Premier League.wp_posts