FINIDI George's hopes of going to the World Cup in Japan appear to be over.The Ipswich winger was not included when Nigeria coach Adegboye Onigbinde named his provisional 35-man World Cup squad last night.
FINIDI George's hopes of going to the World Cup in Japan appear to be over.
The Ipswich winger was not included when Nigeria coach Adegboye Onigbinde named his provisional 35-man World Cup squad last night.
There was no place in Onigbinde's plans, either, for Borussia Dortmund stars Sunday Oliseh or Victor Ikpeba.
The three were all involved in helping Nigeria to third place in the African Nations Cup earlier this year, but their omission from the World Cup squad is no great surprise.
After the tournament in Mali, coach Amodu Shaibu was sacked in favour of Onigbinde. And, since then, many of Nigeria's best-known and most established players have found their opportunities limited.
The surprise inclusion is former Derby County defender Taribo West, who is currently without a club.
English-based players who are in the Nigeria 35 are goalkeeper Ademola Bankole of Crewe, defenders Celestine Babayaro of Chelsea and Daniel Shittu of QPR, and Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here