By Onochie Anibeze
The Nigeria Football  Federation weekend asked Samson Siasia to search his conscience over some decisions on his list for the Nations Cup qualifier against Madagascar and the friendly against Argentina.

They were outraged that Siasia left out Daniel Shittu who had responded to a late call when they traveled to England for the friendly with Ghana when many players failed to show up.

They also did not understand why the Eagles coach has stuck on with Ambrose Efe who committed the blunder that led to the goal Nigeria conceded in Ethiopia.

Again, in the matches before Ethiopia Efe had also never been brilliant.

Siasia was given the Eagles’ job largely because he convinced the NFF that he would build and develop a new team. They were, therefore, shocked that Ekigo Ehiosu,  the only outstanding local player that Sisia arguably discovered was also left out. Ehiosu was recently loaned out to a Turkish side and was expected to have added some flair to his game.

Siasia has listened to the federation, searched his conscience and decided to invite Daniel Shittu. The Queenspark Rangers player will be on duty in Madagascar.

Siasia defended his exclusion of Ehiosu on the basis of fitness.

“He has been in Nigeria since he signed for the Turkish side. He only left three days ago. It simply means that he has not been playing and would not be fit. On Efe, he is the fastest player in that my defence. His recovery rate is encouraging. It will not be fair to sacrifice him because of the mistake in Ethiopia.

Football is a collective thing and I would like to address the mistake in Ethiopia as such. I have explained these things to the Technical Committee and they have seen reasons with me. We have no problems. I have included Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi in place of Ehiosu. Ogbuke has been playing well and we are focused and determined to do well in the assignment ahead.”

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama, Dele Aiyenugba, Chigozie Agbim

Defenders: Chibuzor Okonkwo, Elderson Echiejile, Joseph Yobo, Yusuf Ayila, Efe Ambrose, Dele Adeleye, Danny Shittu

Midfielders: Joel Obi, John Mikel Obi, Fengor Ogude, Kalu Uche, Nosa Igiebor, Solomon Okoronkwo, Ahmed Musa

Forwards: Obinna Nsofor, Victor Anichebe, Ike Uche, Osaze Odemwingie, Emmanuel Emenike, Peter