Posted by By Richard Jideaka, Abuja on
Nigeria coach, Berti Vogts will be looking to Europe for young talents to play for the Super Eagles in the rest of the 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Nigeria coach, Berti Vogts will be looking to Europe for young talents to play for the Super Eagles in the rest of the 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Vogts insists that despite beating Group 3 rivals Uganda 1-0 on Saturday the overall performance of his team was below expectations.
"I have a long list of young Nigerian players who are playing in Europe and I will personally be monitoring their performances," he said.
"I invited Victor Anichebe for the Uganda game because I know what he's capable of doing and I believe there are many Nigerian players in that category.
"I will keep in touch with them and see how they can also bring their best to the team. I have also heard about some brilliant players in the local league here and I expect Austin [Eguavoen] to keep a close eye on them.
"Their mentality, attitude and approach has to change because our performance against Uganda, overall, was not very good."
Vogts has also called for three friendly games, to allow him access to the players ahead of their next qualifier against Uganda in Kampala on June 2.
"I have made it clear to the NFA that these friendly games are important, so as to allow us (the coaches) build a strong unit," he explained.
"We didn't have enough time to train together and get to know everyone, so such games will help me to everyone's ability.
Nigeria top Group 3 of the 2008 Nations Cup qualifiers with nine points, five more than second-placed Uganda.