... Siasia hopes on Taiwo, Mikel
Under-23 coach Samson Siasia is leaving the door open for Super Eagles stars Taye Taiwo and John Mikel Obi to join his squad even as he named 45 players in preparation for the Olympic qualifier against Ghana next month.

"These two players are my boys because they actually graduated to the Super Eagles from my 2005 World Cup team. At the moment, I am not sure if Mikel will want to come and play for my team. If he wants to play for this team, he is always welcome.

"But Taye Taiwo is willing to play. When I spoke with Taye, he told me that whenever I need him, he will come and play. I believe that it is not just right to use certain players for the rigorous qualifiers and later drop them for star players who will only join for the competition proper. That is why anybody who wants to play in the Olympics must be involved in the qualifiers," Siasia told press

According to Siasia, camp will open this Friday at the FIFA GOAL Project centre in Abuja although he stated that he would release the players to the clubs when they are needed.

"The camp will open by God's grace this Friday at the Goal project in Abuja and I will promptly release the players to go and play for their respective clubs in the local league. It is always good for them to play matches to get themselves in good conditions," Siasia told

"Hopefully we will start on time and start preparing for the Ghana match. We know that for us to actually qualify for the Olympics, we have to make sure we win well here against Ghana."

The list of the 45 players released and signed by Siaisia at the NFA Secretariat, Abuja on Wednesday include 17 Europe based professionals namely, Chinedu Ogbuke (Lyn Oslo, Norway), Bernard Okoronwanta (FC Ashkelon, Israel), Promise Isaac (Genclerbirligi, Turkey), Solomon Okoronkwo (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Dele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam, Holland), Kennedy Chinwo (Sherrif Tiraspol, Moldova ), Solomon David Abwo (Dijon FC, France) and Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona, Italy).

Also on the list are: Daddy Bazuaye (AS Monaco, France), Benjamin Ani (Malta), Oluwafemi Ajilore (FC Midtjlland, Denmark), Ajide Akande (Bellinzona FC, Switzerland), Kevin Amuneke (Victoria Setubal, Portugal), Martins Ekwueme (Sportowy Pilkarski, Poland), Emmanuel Baba (Spartak FC Varna, Bulgaria), Alechenu Abraham (K-F Triana, Albania) and Aganun Olushola Olumuyiwa (FC Wacker Tirol).

The local based U- 23 national team players is led by the team's assistant captain and goalkeeper Ambrose Vanzekin (Akwa United), Adeyinka Adedeji, Kola Ige (3SC), Olufemi Adebayo (unattached), Ambrose Efe (Kaduna United), Emmanuel Ekpo (Akwa United), Okoro Osadebemwen, Stanley Ohabuchi, Odinga Odinga (Bayelsa United).

Others include Kenneth Ayanwu (Nasarawa United), Ugochukwu Mbachu, Muideen Oyewole (Dolphin FC), Nnanna Chinedu, Ifeanyi Onwuatu, Brown Ideye, Ajani Abrahim (Dolphin FC), Ugochukwu Okafor, Sixtus Orji (Mighty Jets), Julius Oti (Raiders FC), Bulus Olu, Ojo Mina, Masha Tena (Adanmawa FC).

Also on the list are: Jacob Zakari (Kogi United), Ikechukwu Okorie (Ovwian FC Warri), Daniel Akpeyi (Sharks FC) and Nnamani Henry N. (UNICAL, Calabar).