Remo Stars manager, Daniel Ogunmodede, has weighed in on the main reason why Super Eagles interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, invited some Super Eagles players, Soccernet.ng reports.
The former KAA Gent defender recalled Gabriel Osho, who could not make his debut against Nigeria against Ghana and Mali due to injury worries.
Meanwhile, Nasarawa United defender teams up with the team for the first time, as well as Real Sociedad forward making a return to the Super Eagles squad since March.
Ogunmodede speaking via NFF TV has revealed reasons for the inclusion of AJ Auxerre defender as being the perfect replacement for West Brom defender, Semi Ajayi, who has been sidelined due to injury.
“We believe each player is capable and qualified to represent Nigeria. Most are familiar faces, though Gabriel Osho is a new addition due to Semi Ajayi’s recent surgery,” he said.
Ogunmodede revealed that Sadiq, who had previously been sidelined due to injury, has now returned to the team. Elaborating on Collins’ selection, he revealed the importance of being a left-footed centre-back in the squad.
“[Umar] Sadiq has been in the team for a while. He was also out due to injury. Now he’s back, and maybe Collins because the head coach felt we needed the left-footed centre-back, and presently, in the league, we have a Collins who has, to a reasonable extent, proved his worth.” he continued.
According to the tactician, the head coach’s thorough scouting of the local league helped identify Collins as a key player, as his performances have stood out in the Nigerian Premier Football League.
“This is to show that the head coach is doing a massive job. He has gone around the country to watch the league, and in Victor Collins, he has this utmost belief. I’ve only watched him two, three times in the league and possibly he is the strongest left-footed centre-back presently we have in the Nigerian Premier Football League.” he added.
The Super Eagles will tackle Benin in three days time at the Stade Félix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, then Welcome Rwanda to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on the 18th of November.