African Soccer Magazine (London)
Staff Writers
7 April 2001
Lagos — Nigeria have recalled most of its European-based players for the World Cup qualifier against Sierra Leone on April 21 in Freetown, but Chelsea defender, Celestine Babayaro has been dropped.
Last month, Nigeria's Dutch coach, Johannes Bonfrere dropped most of his top stars for the African Nations Cup qualifier against Zambia in Chingola, which ended 1-1. The Dutchman said he wanted to give some new players a chance.
Back in the 18-man squad are Nwankwo Kanu of Arsenal and captain Sunday Oliseh who were left out for the Zambia match among some other regulars.
Bonfrere has kept midfielder, Karibe Ojigwe of German side, Bayer Leverkusen, Yakubu Aiyegbeni of Isreali team Maccabi Haifa and defender Joseph Yobo from Belgian club Standard Liege in side after their performance against Zambia.
While there is doubt whether Arsenal's Kanu will be available for the match due to a Champions League game against Valencia almost 72 hours before the Sierra Leone match, Celestine Babayaro would certainly not make the trip.
Football officials say they are not sure of the Chelsea defender's commitment to play for the Super Eagles since he decided to stay out of the squad for the Nations Cup qualifier against Zambia in January. Babayaro has also been criticised for his attitude toward the team and his relations with team mates when Nigeria played Sudan on January 27.
Babayaro won Olympic Gold with Nigeria in 1996, less than a year after he was first capped by the Super Eagles.
Nigeria are third in group B, two points behind joint leaders Liberia and Sudan, both of whom will clash on April 22. Only one team will qualify for the World Cup finals next year from the group, which also includes Ghana.
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