ACTUALITE |
16.01.2002
Nigeria want Oruma
In what could be a reprieve for Wilson Oruma, Nigerian coach Amodu Shaibu has decided the striker should be included in their Nations Cup squad.
But Nigeria must get the permission of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to do so.
Caf`s organising committee for Mali 2002 will consider the request on Friday.
The regulations forbid changes to squad lists, except in exceptional circumstances.
Nigeria was the last country to submit its Nations Cup team list and has been fined $3,000 for missing the deadline.
Oruma, who plays for Swiss club Servette, captained Nigeria to the 1993 Under-17 World title in Japan.
Following his appearance for the Super Eagles at the 1998 World Cup finals in France, Oruma has battled with injuries and a loss of form.
Fans favourite
He has also had to counter accusations that he ignored several invitations to play for Nigeria.
Amodu Shaibu said Oruma had rejected national assignments, a charge which Oruma denied in BBC Sport Online`s "Player forum" last November.
The striker has got into the side after turning up at Nigeria`s Nations Cup training camp in Abeokuta uninvited.
He impressed all who saw him, and fans and the local media have been putting pressure on the coaching crew to include him in the list of 22 for Mali.
Oruma will replace defender Emeka Ifejiagwa if Caf grants the request.
But with Nigeria already being penalised for submitting their squad list late, and with the reasons behind the change down to disorganisation rather than exceptional circumstances, the chances seem slim.
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Hits: 1 | Source:BBC | |
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