European Clubs Picked Nigeria Team Versus Mozambique

Coaches of European clubs picked the Nigerian team that tackled Mozambique in a 2010 World Cup qualifier against Mozambique, according to a newspaper report.

Nigerian newspaper, ThisDay, reported Monday that coaches of the European clubs of several Nigerian players influenced the selection of the Super Eagles first team against Mozambique in Maputo on March 29 after they sought and got guarantees from coaches of the national team.

Quoting sources from players within the team to Mozambique, the newspaper reported that some of the European coaches demanded that their players start the game, while some wanted their players to play the full 90 minutes.

"This would account for why a player like Mikel (Obi) would come in late after being allegedly treated for throat infection in London, train seriously only once with the team and still get to play the full 90 minutes, even when it was apparent he was not in the best of his form," said one of the sources.

Nigeria could only manage to scrape a goalless draw with the Mambas of Mozambique and are now under pressure to win their next game, at home to Kenya in June, if they are to stay within striking distance of Group B leaders Tunisia.

However, Nigeria coach, Shuaibu Amodu, has often maintained that he alone decides the team and that the moment he gives in to outside interference, he ought not to be in charge of the Eagles. click here to read the full report