While reassuring that standard won’t be compromised, he also revealed how difficult it was for him pruning down the names of short listed foreign-based players from 72 to 23.
The coach, who expects stiff competition when camping kicks off in Abuja in a fortnight, refused to confirm or deny if Manchester City’s youngster Kelechi Iheanacho will be considered in his ‘surprise list’.
Iheanacho has been in blistering form for the Citizens in pre-season, scoring twice in five appearances.
The former Flying Eagles attacking midfielder has also been promoted to the first team squad for the coming Premier League season.
“I don’t know and if I do, I won’t share with you,” Oliseh told Goal. “But there will be lots of surprises in the squad for the Euro-based players. We have a target which is to win in Dar es Salaam,” he added.
The former national team skipper handed fresh call-ups to seven new players for the upcoming away fixture against Tanzania, overlooking notable names such as Azubuike Egwuekwe, Rabiu Ali, Daniel Akpeyi and a host of others in his new look home-based Super Eagles squad.
Oliseh also revealed that his meeting with Liverpool winger Jordan Ibe, was fruitful but was quick to add that nothing is guaranteed at least for now confirming Goal’s earlier report regarding the availability of the Liverpool winger for Nigeria this year. “We still have to make him see why Nigeria is a better option for him. Talks are still on as regards that.”
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