|
| Ogunsoto wants Nigeria chance |
3/12/2007 |
|
Striker Patrick Babatunde Ogunsoto believes his scoring form in Belgium should have earned him an international call-up for his native Nigeria.
Ogunsoto is the hottest Nigerian striker in Europe this season with 21-goals in all competitions.
Despite this he was left out of the country''''s provisional squad for the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda scheduled for 24 March.
But the 24-year-old, who joined unfashionable Westerlo from the Greek second division at the start of the season, told BBC Sport he deserves a place in the Nigerian team.
"At the moment I am extremely disappointed in the entire Nigerian set up as I wonder what more I have to do to be included," he told BBC Sport on Saturday.
"When I scored freely in Greece I was not noticed, however, I thought it was just a matter of the league I was playing in.
I believe I deserve a chance to play in front of the fans back home on merit
Patrick Babatunde Ogunsoto
"I thought I would have a better chance of being seen now that I''''m playing well in Belgium and scoring goals on a regular basis."
Westerlo are well positioned in seventh place, while Ogunsoto remains the top scorer in the league with 17 goals.
Ogunsoto says he is disappointed that some injured players were considered ahead of him in the latest Super Eagles squad call up.
"I''''m sad that some of the invited players are not even playing football at the moment.
"I am not out to make false accusations but I believe people should be treated with some level of respect.
"I do not have anything to prove to anyone but I believe I deserve a chance to play in front of the fans back home on merit."
Competing with other in-form European-based strikers like Obafemi Martins, Osaze Odemwingie and Yakubu Aiyegbeni, the Westerlo player said he is up to the challenge.
"Each player has his strength but I know my worth and hope to prove myself as being worthy of the Nigerian team if invited.
"I believe that my time has come."
The omission of Ogunsoto and Spain based Ikechukwu Uche in the Nigerian squad has been severely criticised by local media and fans in the West African country.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
