Assistant Super Eagles manager and Remo Stars coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, has weighed in on the main reason why Super Eagles interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, invited some Super Eagles players.
Super Eagles are gearing up for the AFCON 2025 final qualifying matches against the Republic of Benin and Rwanda but the invitation of players has seen the return of some players back to fold while some are having a taste of the national team for the first time.
In an interview with NFF TV, Ogunmodede who is one of the two assistant coaches attached to Austin Eguavoen said that the invitation of the players is in the best interest of the nation going by the injuries of some of the regulars.
Ogunmodede noted that Sadiq Umar, who was an unused striker by Real Sociedad on Sunday in the lone goal win against leaders, FC Barcelona, had previously been sidelined due to injury, has now returned to the team.
“(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 pointed out.
Elaborating on Collins’ selection, he explained the importance of being a left-footed centre-back in the squad.
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 former KAA Gent defender recalled Gabriel Osho, who could not make his debut against Nigeria against Ghana and Mali due to injury worries.
Ogunmodede said that the 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.
The Super Eagles will tackle Benin on Thursday at the Stade Félix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, then welcome Rwanda to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on the 18th of November.
