Not long after Sunday Oliseh was unveiled as the new Super Eagles coach at the media centre of The National Stadium in Abuja he laid down the law over who was eligible to be on his team sheets.

Oliseh clearly affirmed that “No player outside of the first division in Nigeria or elsewhere will play for the Super Eagles”, makes Eagles spots open to only 1st division players globally.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, President, Amaju Pinnick however disclosed that Oliseh had a list of 70 Nigerian players who were unknown and uncapped.

It is already being speculated that the former Dortmund midfielder’s first team sheet will be one that will surprise a few but how many shockers can there be judging by his comments clarifying his statements?

o doubt, Vincent Enyeama, of Lille, remains the best option between the sticks Nigeria has for now. His experience in the national team, exposure in Europe and the Champion’s League place him as perhaps Nigeria’s most equipped player currently. The 32 years old stopper is quick, reads the game and has ability to control, organize and stabilize the defence.

The confirmation of his place as the number one was sealed after Oliseh recently disclosed that the former Enyimba goalie will remain the Captain of the Eagles.

Defenders

Leon Balogun, FSV Mainz 05, German Bundesliga, 27: The German-born Nigerian has the height, strength, good passes and discipline as an advantage, his strength, good pass as an advantage. His strong tackling and ability to link from defence to the midfield him qualify for the Eagles. Balogun has settled well with the Nigerian team despite being new, meaning he is a good team player and knows how to read the game.

Football - The Football League Sky Bet Championship - Sheffield Wednesday v Middlesbrough - Saturday 1st March 2014 - Hillsborough - SheffieldKenneth Omeruo, Kasımpaşa, Turkish Süper Lig, 21: The on loan Chelsea youngster is a tough tackling defender, who is good aerially and always gives good cover to the keeper. He is known to cover ground quickly too making him hard to beat as an attacker and has been compared to Real Madrid’s Raphaël Varane. He had a decent season at Middlesbrough in the English Championship last season.

Godfrey Oboabona, Rizespor, Turkish Süper Lig, 24: the burly defender plying his trade in Turkey is known for his typically strong displays. He received rave reviews for his performance which kept Italy’s Mario Balotelli out of the game when they both met. Not only is he good aerially, his number of completed tackles-per-match is quite impressive.

The tall defender’s work rate at the Nigerian defence has been a heartwarming experience with his exceptional ability to read the game and ball passing ability.

Elderson Echejiele, AS Monaco, French Ligue 1, 27: The former Braga fullback has been in and out of the side but is fast becoming a dependable member of the Eagles side.

His solidity and ability to support attacks up front makes him a solid option for Oliseh as long as he can beat off the challenge from the young Kingsley Madu who had an impressive outing against Chad in Kaduna.

Midfielders

Mikel Obi, Chelsea, English Premiership, 28: A controversial player for a myriad of reasons, Mikel does have one skill albeit typical of a one trick pony. The ability to hold on to the ball better than any other Eagles player sets him apart despite his infuriating sluggishness sometimes.

Considering Oliseh tends towards a possession based style Mikel might still be an asset despite his tragically unfulfilled potential.

onazi-eaglesOgenyi Onazi, Lazio, Italian Serie A, 22: The Nigerian prodigy is one of the most consistent shooters in the Nigeria team, add that to his boundless energy and you have a midfield dynamo of epic proportions.

Onazi breaks up play, retains possession and is not scared to attempt to attack the opposition box every now and there, the hallmarks of the modern defensive midfielder. Being a former defensive midfielder himself, Oliseh would by all means be grateful to have such a battleaxe at his disposal.

Peter Odemwingie, Stoke City, English Premiership, 34: The experienced forward, winger and playmaker has had his fair share of controversy (just like the current Eagles boss) but he still remains a player with guile and some experience the Eagles could use right now.

He still has a few goals left in him and his link up play when he’s fit is a joy to behold. His ability to create chances and play versatile roles is no doubt an asset to the Eagles.

Read about the Forwards here: http://www.post-nigeria.com/revealed-coach-olisehs-possible-first-eagles-xi/

Ok

Ur list is not complete.

We also expect to see the likes of:
Efe Ambrose (Celtic)
Victor Moses (Chelsea)
Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moskow)
Odion Ighalo (Watford FC)
Victor Anichebe (Westbrom)
Aaron Samuel (China)
Brown Ideye (Westbrom)
Sonne Aluko (Hull City: though recently relegated bt should b given special consideration)
John Ogu

And some youngsters including:
Kinglsey Madu
Troost Ekong
Kingsley Sokari
Kelechi Iheanachoi
Alex Iwobi
Dele Alli
Isaac Success
Imoh Ezekiel
Oghenekaro Etebor.

My recomended first 11 for Oliseh:

.............Enyeama

Balogun..Ambrose..Omeruo..Echiejile

..................Onazi
..................................Mikel

Musa..................Aluko..............Moses

...........................Ighalo

Subs:
Samuel
Obaobona
Ogu
Madu
Anichebe
Daniel Akpenyi
Brown Ideye

The remaining youngsters should jst b in d team to learn from d more established players.

Yes Ambrose is centre back that is what he plays in Celtic and all thru his U20 to U23 & under Siasia as SE coach. It was Keshi that converted him to right back for SE when we did nt have a quality right back. Balogun is hère now so Ambrose should revert to his natural position.


We are no longer under d Keshi era when faceless, untested players will b doning our green and white jerseys for serious international matches. Oliseh can test new players during friendlies where we have an option of 6 substitutions.

Last bullet: Oliseh should nt invite any home based player that is above 25yrs. He lacks noticeable qualities that is y no overseas club has signed him all these yrs, period.He should instead keep such slots for young players. Eg an 18yrs old Iheanacho or Yahaya has more prospect than a 26yrs old Gbolahan Salami.