Iheanacho, Martins, Uche set for Eagles’ return

The quintet of Chinedu Obasi, Haruna Lukman, Kelechi Iheanacho, Obafemi Martins and Ikechukwu Uche are set to be invited for the Super Eagles’ last qualifying matches for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations against Congo and South Africa.

The aforementioned players couldn’t get into Stephen Keshi’s teams despite their impressive performances for their respective clubs and despite incessant calls to have them included but it seems all five of them will be a part of the team that will announced by interim coach, Amodu Shuaibu for the November fixtures.

A list of 24 players is expected to be announced before the end of October and sources have reliably informed SL10.ng that there will be some changes to the teams Nigerians have been used to under Keshi.

“Most of the players from Keshi’s team will still be there but the likes of Haruna, Obasi, Iheanacho, Martins and Uche will be included provided they aren’t injured before the final list is compiled.

If eventually these players are invited, it will sound like a good music to the ears of most Nigerians as they have always clamoured for the invitation of such players.

The Super Eagles are third in qualifying group A with four points in as many games, and play Congo and South Africa in their last matches, with Amodu Shuaibu in-charge on an interim basis after Stephen Keshi was asked to step down from his interim role.

Keshi has had a running battle with Villarreal striker Ikechukwu Uche hence his continued absence from the Eagles under Keshi, his last appearance being the final of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

The ‘Big Boss’ alluded to Obafemi Martins as being too old, while also alluding to Kelechi Iheanacho as being too young.

Chinedu Obasi was invited a couple of times but never made the team due to injuries and passport issues, while Haruna Lukman was never given a look in by the ‘Big Boss’.