Samson Siasia might have given up on goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and striker Emmanuel Emenike who have ruled out their return to the team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations tie against Egypt.
Both players were forced into early retirement from the national team during coach Sunday Oliseh’s brief tenure. But Siasia who replaced Oliseh last week was hopeful of convincing Enyeama and Emenike to change their minds, but he said yesterday their decision may have to be respected.
“You can’t force them to rescind their decision and we have to respect that.” Siasia told BBC Sport.
“I felt they left under a cloudy circumstance. It was only an opportunity for them to reconsider their stance but it appears they’ve both decided to stick by their retirement.
“Nigeria is blessed with talented footballers and we need to work with those players. We have to live away from the past and focus on a promising future.”
Siasia and his assistants Salisu Yusuf and Emmanuel Amunike are expected to finalise and name the country’s squad for the game against the seven-time African champions today.
However, he added that no player will be ruled out.
“We can’t rule out anyone at the moment. The games against Egypt are crucial matches and we are keeping our focus. We need the support of everyone to succeed.
“This is a big task for us and we want to give our best like those players who are prepared to give 120 percent on the field for their country.”
