By JACOB AJOM
Nigeria had a taste of what to expect from new Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia when he fielded a mix of both home and foreign-based players in the squad that took on Sierra Leone in Lagos mid-week.

Although some Nigerians expected the coach to field a home-based dominated squad against the West African country, Siasia invited some of the best players at his disposal from far and near. Siasia had his plan and has vowed to remain focused until he achieves a winning squad.

The plan, according to a source, is to begin with his best known stars whenever the opportunity arises. This, according to him would afford them the chance to blend and play coherently. Above all, Siasia is building a new team which will witness major changes in terms of team make-up, playing pattern and personnel.

“He has his eyes fixed on the young crop of Nigerian players scattered all over Europe and from the home front,” an NFF official said.

Specifically, Siasia is looking up to the likes of Turkey based Emmanuel Emenike, Brown Idehen in France, Inter Milan’s Obinna Nsofor, presently on loan at West Ham, Osaze Odemwinge in West Brom, Victor Moses with Wigan, Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United) among others.

Emenike for instance, has been on fire in the Turkish league with eleven goals to his name this season and still counting. Everton’s Victor Anichebe, Peter Utaka, Ahmed Musa and Inter’s Joel Obi form part of the new face of Nigeria national team.

Goalkeper Vincent Enyeama, who won two man_of_the_match awards at the 2010 Fifa World Cup finals in South Africa despite Nigeria’s failure to reach the knock_out stage, remains the number one choice between the posts, while players like captain Joseph Yobo will continue to lead the rear as Siasia still need him for his experience.

“You cannot throw away a player for no just cause. Yobo is still very useful to the team as his experience counts,” Siasia explained Yobo’s call up in a report recently.

Enyeama will have long_time deputy Dele Aiyenugba understudying him, and defenders Ayodele Adeleye, Taye Taiwo, Michael Odibe, Olubayo Adefemi and Elderson Echiejile