Super Eagles: nobody is irreplaceable, says Oliseh

Super Eagles Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh says nobody is
irreplaceable as long as he remains the team’s
handler.Oliseh, who was reacting to the exit of Emmanuel
Emenike from the team on Tuesday in Abuja, noted that
only Nigeria was irreplaceable.
“Emenike served Nigeria well and I think he gave it a lot of
thought before he decided to retire; we wish him all the
best, but nobody is irreplaceable, only Nigeria is
irreplaceable.“I think Nigeria produced great players
Africa has ever seen, but they retired and Nigeria did not
die, however, we should thank him (Emenike) for what he
did for Nigeria,’’ Oliseh said.
He said that in spite of his health challenges, the Super
Eagles 2018 World Cup qualifying match against Swaziland
scheduled to take place in Lobamba, Swaziland on Nov. 13
was his major focus at present.Oliseh, who described the
Swaziland encounter as `very crucial,’ said that his
ambition was to see the country play at the 2018 World
Cup in Russia.
“I want to get my country to the pool stage and eventually
to the World Cup and that is what our ambition is.“We
always have the reason to entertain fear against any
opponent, because if we don’t respect them, we will be
kicked out and this is a World Cup qualifier.
“Swaziland is a difficult team; the team shocked Guinea
and it is not going to be easy playing them, especially on
an artificial turf in their home. “So, we know what is
waiting for us because we have had our wake-up call with
Tanzania; the boys are in good spirit, so, I am optimistic,’’
he said.
Oliseh said that some of his players were yet to arrive the
team’s camp due to flight problem caused by the strike by
the crew of Lufthansa airline. He, however, assured that
the football house had made alternative arrangements to
enable the players join their colleagues in good time for
the match.
The former Super Eagles captain, who assured that
everybody would be given an opportunity to play, said
that where each player plied his trade would not matter to
him, so long as he got the needed results. “Everybody has
a chance of playing; we didn’t invite anybody here for
holiday.
“As far as I am concerned, where one play doesn’t matter;
if a home player proves to be better in form, he will start
the game,’’ he said. The 20 players trained under the
watchful eyes of the Super Eagles coaching crew led by
Oliseh. Striker Obafemi Martins, midfielder Ogenyi Onazi
and Portugal-based defender, Abdullahi Shehu, are yet to
join the team following flight problem.
The team which is expected to depart Abuja for Swaziland
on a chartered Arik airline would fly direct to Port
Harcourt after the encounter for the return-leg match
scheduled for Nov. 17.