Amodu's missing home-based XI

Nigeria coach Shuaibu Amodu's decision to list just three domestic league players in his 32-man squad to go into camp for the African Nations Cup in Angola has been the subject of deep disapproval within the country.

KickOff's Colin Udoh looks at a selection of a League XI that Amodu could have considered, based on the coach's favoured 4-3-3 formation.

GK: Austin Brown, Heartland
Earned his spurs in goal for Dolphins before moving to Heartland, where his nimble feet, razor-sharp reflexes and command of his area helped the Naze Millionaires to the Final of the CAF Champions League.

RB: John Nnam, Rangers
Okay, I cheated a bit here. Nnam is more of a right midfielder these days, but he started out at right back under the tutelage of Lawrence 'Nigeria's Arsene Wenger' Akpokona and is such a versatile player that he can not only slot in there, but also at centre back.
He is strong and uncompromising in the tackle and offers a potent offensive, goalscoring threat going forward.

LB: Valentine Nwabili, Enyimba
This was an agonising choice between ex Sharks man Nwabili, Dolphins' Mutiu Adegoke and Heartland's Joseph Eyimofe, all of whom have been in superb form the past two seasons.
I decided to plump for Nwabili simply because the other two have had bites at the international cherry in the past.
The Enyimba man has one of the most cultured left feet in the business, is a strong, wiry character and bounds down the left flank with almost inexhaustible reserves.

CB: ThankGod Ike, Heartland
What else can one say about this big, strong and powerful centreback. His mean defending at the back was one of several factors responsioble for propelling Heartland to that CAF Final, and he remains one who may still get a phone call from Amodu.

CB: Nnaemeka Anyanwu, Enyimba
Another graduate of Rangers from the Lawrence Akpokona years, Anyanwu is one of the best liberos (forgive the old-fashioned term) in the business, cleaning up after the likes of Ike when necessary.

DM: Jonah Abutu, Dolphins
Another position where I had to think hard and still feel bad about leaving out a player. Emmanuel Omodiagbe would slot in here just as easily as Abutu, but knowing Amodu's preference for big men, Abutu shades it.
Additionally, the former Sharks and Bayelsa United man edges it in the strength department, and his holding responsibilities aside, is as great at bringing the ball out as he is closing down the channels and breaking up the opponents play.

DM: Solomon Okpako, Kano Pillars
Okpako is one of the most underrated players in the domestic league, but so was Claude Makelele. The Pillars holding midfielder excels at doing the simplest of things very well as he not only shields his back four, but also reads the play with uncanny ability. Along with Abutu, will provide the perfect platform for an offensive midfield player.

AM: Josiah Maduabuchi, Enyimba
Since being pulled from the wide right position and planted in a central attacking midfield role, Maduabuchi has blossomed, and is now the fulcrum of Enyimba's attacking movement.
Has a good eye for the right pass and picks them with consumate ease. Plus his time as a winger means he can run at people and still ping in balls from just about, and to, anywhere with precision.
Heartland's Stanley Okoro is another option here.

RM/F: Osanga King, Heartland
Showed his qualities at the African Youth Championships and remains one of the best wide players in the domestic league.
His delivery may still need work, but Osanga's ability is not in doubt.

LM/F: Osas Idehen, Enyimba
Maybe it should be enough to say that he leads the Premier League goalscoring charts with 7 goals in 10 games.
But additional qualities that Osas brings to bear are his tireless running and ability to get in behind the defence.

CF: Ibrahim Babale, Sunshine Stars
There is not a more consistent forward in the Nigeria Premier League. Babale has hit double figures during the past three seasons, and has great hold-up skills.
Broke his leg last season but has returned to lead Stars' attack.

Formation 4-3-3

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