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Oliseh gives criteria for Eagles invite

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In from Nifemi Daniel…

Newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, has made some clarification on his choice of players to be invited to the national team.

The former Super Eagles captain when unveiled last Wednesday insisted that only players playing in the top European Leagues and Nigeria Premier League will invited to play for the national team with exception of players from the junior national teams.

His comments drew lot of criticisms with many arguing and asking how many Nigerian players play in the top leagues abroad while others are of the opinion that the few that are privilege to play abroad are merely bench warmers.

Oliseh however maintained that the Super Eagles need charismatic players with a competitive spirit.

“On the clarifications for the type of leagues we will draw our players, I cannot give you exactly this or that league but what I can tell you is that our league has regressed in the past and we can with the efforts of the federation to get it back.

“We are looking at credible leagues that play fast football because if we are getting players to come and play in the Super Eagles, they have to be a level that can compete.

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“The difference between Euro­pean football or leading nations in football and Africa is that the executions of actions are quicker and faster. When we get players in that are not used to that, we will always be a step behind.

“That is why we need to get players playing in the league solid enough. For example, any player playing in the second division league in England and even the Premier league, I am sorry you can’t play here because even though it is fast football, it is a league overtly and covered with kick and follow kind of football.

“That is not what we are playing here. If I bring in players from that league, how do you want me to start moulding him to start playing a possession and movement football when I have only four days? I am a national team coach not a club coach,” he warned.

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