'I know the kid' - Eguavoen gives reason for not including Hapoel Jerusalem GK in Nigeria squad

Augustine Eguavoen has said that Hapoel Jerusalem goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye was omitted from the Super Eagles squad to face Ghana in the 2022 World Cup playoff later this month because it's not the right time to try out new players.

Sparta Rotterdam's Maduka Okoye, Omonia Nicosia's Francis Uzoho and Kaizer Chiefs' Daniel Akpeyi are the three goalkeepers given the nod by Eguavoen, leaving the likes of John Noble, Sebastian Osigwe, Mathew Yakubu and Adeleye out in the cold.

Adeleye has embarked on a public relations campaign aimed at getting an invite to the Super Eagles, but the 21-year-old has lost his starting spot at Hapoel Jerusalem to Yonathan Shabi in the last four games so there is no strong case for him to be selected at the moment.

Eguavoen suggested that his former pupil may be considered for future games ahead of the World Cup, if Nigeria see off Ghana in the playoff.

"I think I have vast knowledge about everyone. Adebayo was in my U17 team that I took to South Africa some years ago so I know the kid, " Eguavoen said to Elegbete TV Sports.

"We're playing Ghana now, it's not a friendly game, you cannot just bring in somebody new into the fray right now.

"Like I said I have a list of a lot of players but we are looking for the appropriate time to give them that opportunity.

"If that window comes we might change the entire team and play with a fresh team and by so doing before the World Cup, hopefully by the grace of God we qualify with hard work, and then we can now select the best for the World Cup".

Adeleye has posted four clean sheets while conceding 33 goals in 22 Ligat ha'Al appearances for a Hapoel Jerusalem side who are battling relegation.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel