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The last we heard of Kanu's international situation was his being dropped from the squad
for last Saturday's African Nations Cup qualifier against Zambia
(which Nigeria won narrowly). The coach Jo Bonfrere had picked him (of course), but officials subsequently dropped him (and others). Financial problems were cited but previously they'd said that he should be dropped as punishment
for refusing to go to the Olympics.
Always remember with these Nigerian FA stories that there are always several different people claiming to speak for the NFA,
always contradicting each other. It's a mess.
Last week, Bonfrere announced that Kanu will be in his squad for the next qualifier, against the Sudan on Januray 27th. "Kanu's top of my list for the crucial World Cup
game against Sudan. I don't have a problem with
him."
An NFA spokesman confirmed that Bonfrere's squad selection would be respected this time. ""The NFA has not taken a contrary position to
that of the coach regarding the selection of
players for the national team. If Bonfrere picks
Kanu for the match against Sudan, we will respect
his choice..." said Austin Mgbolu, going on to undermine
his credibility with the words "...just as we have always done."
So it looks like Kanu will not be available for the FA Cup game against Luton or QPR, which is due to be played that weekend. Incidentally, Lauren will be away too, at the Cameroon-Togo match (if fit).
But will Bonfrere be there? The word is that the NFA are set to get rid of him, and a leading candidate for the impending vacancy appears to be ex Arsenal goal machine John Jensen.
In his first job as coach, Jensen had spectacular success, leading the small Danish outfit Herfolge to their first ever
league title. This year they're struggling against relegation,
and Jensen has been linked with other, bigger, Danish sides.
Jensen himself claims to have received an offer from the NFA.
Don't do it John, it's a nightmare.
Interesting news and views on all this and other Nigerian team
stories can be found on the CyberEagles forum.
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