Beijing Olympics qualifier: Anichebe, Ogbuke, others hit Dream Team IV camp

25.03.2008

Marseille's defender Taye Taiwo Ismaila,
right, is tackled by Sochaux's Mevlut
Erding during a French League One
match in Marseille. AP PhotoEngland-based Victor Anichebe flew into the country on Easter Monday morning and immediately joined the National U-23 team, Dream Team IV camp as preparation for tomorrow’s 2008 Olympics qualifier against South Africa in Abuja hit fever pitch.

The 19-year-old Everton FC of England striker flew into the country aboard a British Airways airliner and was received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja, by U-23 team Secretary, Shola Ogunnowo.

His arrival made officials joyous and they immediately began to compare his dedication to national assignment with that of Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi, who told head coach Samson Siasia he would not be able to arrive until today.

Siasia has told Mikel Obi not to bother coming at all and the former Flying Eagle countenance omission from the Olympic Games team as Siasia fumes at his failure to honour national call on several occasions.

Anichebe, who has camped with the senior team severally but yet to gain a first cap, was omitted from the squad that represented Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations in Ghana earlier in the year.

Also in camp are Canada 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup revelation Oladapo Olufemi, Super Eagles’ left back Taye Taiwo, Chinedu Ogbuke, Isaac Promise, Olufemi Ajilore, Kennedy Chinwo, Adefemi Olubayo, Solomon Abwo, Martins Ekwueme, Dele Adeleye, Jeremiah Ani, Elderson Echiejile, Obiora Anorue, Tunde and Jide Ogunbiyi and the tested home-based contingent, including goalkeepers Amborse Vanzekin and Ikezhukwu Ezenwa, Efe Ambrose, Chibuzor Okonkwo and Emmanuel Ekpo.

The dazzling Obinna Nsofor is not eligible after receiving a second yellow card in the away tie against Ghana’s Black Meteors in Accra in November. Nigeria needs the minimum win over the South Africans to pip Ghana’s Meteors to the ticket.