Eguavoen namechecks five NPFL stars he's keeping tabs on ahead of possible Nigeria invite

Rivers United duo winger Ishaq Kayode and exciting midfielder Uche Onwuansanya and Enyimba glovesman Olorunleke Ojo among the local-based players on his radar after scouting trips to match venues.

Of the 32 players named on the expanded roster for the 2022 World Cup playoff matches with Ghana, none is based in the domestic championship.

Enyimba star John Noble, a member of the Super Eagles AFCON squad, is surplus to requirements for the games against the Black Stars with only three goalkeepers expected to be named in the matchday 23.

"Onazi, I told you earlier on I spoke to couple of our persons and the final decision rests with me," Eguavoen said.

"Those boys will be coming into camp 21st, 22nd and we play 25th against Ghana and then 29th they come back here to play.

"I've told you earlier on that we have our own plan. Like you know I visited league venues and there are couple of names I have.

"I watched Kwara United, there is one boy Afeez, very good midfield player, Tope from Rangers, Ishaq from Rivers United, I think he followed us to South Africa for the U17s, I have been following him.

"There is Uche from Rivers as well. Olorunleke Ojo, I have their names here, I have penciled about seven of them.

"That's why I said to you I don't have to tell you what my plans are, I have them close to my chest".

The Nigeria Football Federation opted to retain Eguavoen as Nigeria's interim coach last month despite the country's early elimination from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel