CHATTO VOWS TO BATTLE MIKEL, AYILA FOR DEFENSIVE ROLE

Sweden-based Nigerian defensive midfielder Dominic Chatto believes he can give compatriots — Mikel Obi and Yusuf Ayila — a run for their money in the Super Eagles if given an invite by coach Samson Siasia.

Chatto, who helped Swedish side BK Hacken, advance in the Europa Cup qualifying stage last week, said he can the break into the Eagles despite the array of stars in the defensive midfield position.

“I know there are lots of good players who play in my position in the national team but that does not mean I cannot prove myself. I think when a player is doing very well for his club, he deserves national recognition too,” Chatto, who was the 2008 Finnish Player of The Year, said.

“I am not saying I am the best for the position but I am doing my best and hope to give my all to help the national team,” he added.

The 26-year-old former Pepsi Academy player was called up for Nigeria’s U-23 squad for the Intercontinental Cup in Malaysia three years ago by Siasia, who was then coach of the team, but didn’t get to play due to injury.

Again, he almost made the team to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games but was stopped by club duties but now, Chatto has vow to continue giving his best at club level till his dream of playing for Nigeria is realised.

“I won’t give up until I play for my country and I also want to ensure that I give my best at club level especially now that we are playing in the Europa Cup,” he said. 

He added that Super Eagles forward Osaze Odemwingie, who was his teammate in Pepsi Academy, had been giving him the needed encouragement on what it takes to play in the national team.

MONDAY JAMES EYES SUPER EAGLES CALL UP

Hammarby IF of Sweden centre back, Monday James is desperate to prove he has a future in the national team, and is eyeing a reunion with former U-20 coach, Samson Siasia.

The former U-20 ace who proved a lot at the junior level revealed that he's getting closer to a return to the national team, having played at the U-20 World Cup and Beijing Olympic 2008, where the team came second behind Argentina.

The Beijing Olympic star is currently at his peak form and looks certain to solve the problem of Super Eagles back four recently lamented by the coach.

"I'm working extraordinary hard to be at my best every time I'm on the pitch, and one of my aims now is to be part of the Super Eagles team. I have missed a lot in the team even in my club because of my injury and the problem I have with my former coach but I am happy to find back my happiness here.

"I will be glad to get the coach's call any day, I will like him to give me chance to play in his team, I have played under him on two three tournament, and I am happy to impress during the time, but a reunion will be perfect for me.”

However, the Bayelsa born star tasked the Super Eagles coach not to write him off for a place in his team.

"What I can do to make myself available for the national team is to keep giving my best for my club as well as to be determined with the belief that I will get there one day,” he said.