Godwin Okpara picks Aghaowa, Martins ahead Aiyegbeni

Former Super Eagles, Godwin Okpara was faced with the herculean task to Start one, bench one and drop one striker from the trio of Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Julius Aghaowa and Obafemi Martins.

In a chat with Ifeanyi Udeze on his show No Holds Barred, Okpara revealed that it was a difficult decision, as all three players would comfortably make it to his team if he were a coach.

Subsequently, he went on to select Julius Aghahowa for the start, Obafemi Martins on the bench and Yakubu Aiyegbeni for the drop.

Okpara revealed that the work ethic and versatility of Martins and Aghahowa compelled him to pick them ahead of Aiyegbeni despite the Striker being the most prolific.

“This question is very heavy, if I’m a coach I will start this three strikers, but it’s not possible. You can’t start three of them and the three of them cannot be on the team. But if am to start, I will start Aghahowa.

“Aghaowa is a very sneaky player and possess loads of pace, I’ll put Martins on the bench, so that if he comes in he can support Aghahowa and the attack will be strong.

“It’s not like Yakubu can’t enter my team but I have to drop one based on the question, but if I were allowed to I’ll play the three of them.”

Yakubu Aiyegbeni was the most prolific in the green colours of the national team, with 21 goals in 54 caps third behind Late Rashidi Yekini and Segun Odegbami, while Obafemi ranks fifth with 18 goals in 41 caps, while Aghahowa is a distant 14th with 14 goals in 32 caps.