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Amodu invites Agbonlahor To Nigeria Squad

In a surprise move, he newly appointed coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles, Shuaibu Amodu, has included Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor in his 50 man squad for the 2010 World Cup/Nations Cup qualifiers.

May 26, 2008 8:50:35 AM

Gabriel Agbonlahor - Aston Villa

The Aston Villa frontman has previously featured for the U-21 team of England, but under current FIFA rules he can still represent Nigeria at senior level.

However, Agbonlahor has also been invited by Fabio Capello to represent the Three Lions in two international friendly encounters against the USA on May 28 and Trinidad and Tobago on June 1.

In an interview with reporters during the unveiling of the squad list in Lagos on Thursday, Amodu said it was time the nation forgets about the dismal performance of the 2008 African Nations Cup and focused on the challenges ahead of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

"A performance like that brings down the morale of the players and it is our duty to ensure that we visit these players and boost their psyche in order to prepare them for the challenges ahead."

He also added that to avoid a country vs club conflict, he has started informing the several concerned clubs of the programme of the team: "We have sent a very crowded programme of our coming activities to the clubs so that they know in advance when we will need these players," he said.

Amodu's Squad;

Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, Taye Taiwo, Nwankwo Kanu, Obinna Nwaneri, Danny Shittu, John Utaka, Obafemi Martins, John Mikel obi, Peter Odemwingie, Austin Ejide, Rabiu Afolabi, Seyi Olofinjana, Ikechukwu Uche, Ayo Makinwa, Obinna Nsofor, Ifeanyi Emeghara, Felix Ogbuke, Richard Eromoigbe, Onyekachi Apam, Dele Aiyenugba, Christian Obodo, Chidi Odiah, Yusuf Ayila, Mannaseh Ishiaku, Sani Kaita, Paul Obiefule, Olufemi Oladapo, Chinedu Ogbuke, Lukman Haruna, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Kingsley Udoh, Elderson Echiejile, Onyekachi Okonkwo, Kayode Odejayi, Yusuf Mohammed, Kalu Uche, Victor Anichebe, Emmanuel Okoduwa, Greg Etafia, Akpan Bassey, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Onyekachi Amuneke, Chrisantus Macauley, Joseph Akpala, Abiodun Agunbiade, Moses Adams, George Gilmore, Chijioke Ejiogu.

Awenlimobor Sylvester

England

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