The head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Jose Peseiro has drawn up a list of players he will run the rule on in view of a possible call up to the team when the season in Europe gets underway.
Sources reveal to OwnGoalNigeria.com five names on the list which will likely be expanded to accomodate more players particularly if there is a player having a breakthrough season in Europe top leagues.
We take a look at five names on the list starting with Saviour Godwin who led Portuguese second division side Casa Pia to promotion. Godwin was voted the best player in the Liga Pro which is the Portuguese second division after scoring ten goals with three assists in 29 games.
His form hasn’t gone unnoticed and Peseiro will have his eyes on him to see how he performs in the top division. 25 year old Godwin played for the Nigeria U17 team of 2013 and also the U20 team of 2015.
Out of contract Derby County winger Malcolm Ebiowei has also been mentioned with reports linking the former Nigeria U17 trainee with a move to Manchester United. He is the nephew to Finidi George, the first assistant of Jose Peseiro that alone could push him up the scouting list.
Antwerp of Belgium Alhassan Yusuf was originally named in the expanded list of players called up before the confirmation of the appointment of Peseiro. Upon his resumption Peseiro trimmed the list and left out Yusuf. The idea is to work with the players he is familiar with but Yusuf will no doubt get his chance.
Midfielder turned right wing back Bright Osayi Samuel caught the attention of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following rave reviews from Turker where he plays for
Fenerbahçe. His name was proposed to Peseiro who isn’t entirely satisfied with the lack of options at right back.
Another team that came from the NFF is Raphael Onyedika who plays as a midfielder for Danish Superliga club FC Midtjylland. The 21 year old was voted as the best young player in the Danish league last season. He is seen as one who could be an option in an area where the team appears to be short in number.
