Ikpeba tops Nigeria`s provisional list for Nations Cup (17.11.2001)
LAGOS,
Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba is topping a 40-man provisional list announced by Nigeria Friday for the 2002 African Nations Cup in Mali.
Ikpeba has been overlooked by the `Super Eagles` since the World Cup game against Sudan in January after he struggled at his Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.
The talented forward failed to win a regular place at Dortmund after his big-money transfer from French team Monaco.
Scathing remarks against the club in the media by the outspoken star also did not help his cause in Germany.
The player has in addition had to cope with the loss of his wife, Atinuke, who died as a result of breast cancer last year.
This season, Ikpeba has moved to Spanish side Real Betis on a year`s loan where he hopes to
rediscover the form which won him Africa`s best individual award in 1997.
Only two uncapped players - Muisi Ajao of South African club Mamelodi Sundowns and Germany-based Chibueke Okeke - make a predictable list of players that coach Shaibu Amodu will consider for his final 22-man squad for Mali 2002.
There is, however, no place for the team`s former captain, Daniel Amokachi, who has out of action for over two seasons now because of a knee injury.
Nigeria`s assistant coach, Joe Erico, had said Amokachi would be given a chance to prove himself ahead of the Nations Cup which kicks off in Bamako, Mali, on January 19.
Nigeria, who are grouped along with host nation Mali, Algeria and Liberia, will commence preparations for the championship on December 28 in the southern town of Abeokuta.
