SWAN Match: Yema calls up Acheru, Dairo for Uyo clash

SWAN Selected head coach, Yemi Olanrewaju aka YEMA has invited veteran journalist China Acheru and thirty-two other players for this weekend’s Novelty match against Akwa Ibom Sports Arena at the Nest of Champions, Uyo.

Lagos based Photo-Journalist, Victor Modo, ACLSports’ Chief Football Writer Fisayo Dairo, and NPFL blogger, Tobi Adepoju Samuel make a return to the team. Imo based video analyst Johnpaul Nnamdi, and World Cup Pidgin Commentator, Benjamin Sawadinho are among the new invitees.

The SWAN Selected lost their inaugural game 1-0 against Kano SWAN last year but the Lagos based coach expect the team to bounce back to winning form.

“I’m honoured to work with this amazing team and I’m looking forward to the big game. We have selected the squad based on form and potentials, the just concluded Bet9ja Lagos SWAN Cup and the State friendly game in Port Harcourt have kept the players in good shape. We have set up a quality squad that will redeem our image and restore the team back into winning form,” said Olanrewaju.

#SWANNoveltyMatch18

I have received my official invitation for this game. They won't let the deep-lying playmaker with international and World Cup experience rest.

Let's go there! pic.twitter.com/1xUHc6zh6A

— Fisayo Dairo (@FisayoDairo) October 8, 2018

Team captain Andrew Randa revealed that top Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials and other football stakeholders are expected to be part of the game.

“I want to appreciate everyone involved, we started this in Kano and I’m glad we are extending it to Akwa-Ibom. It gives us the opportunity to bond as journalists. We are excited that the NFF President Amaju Pinnick and NFF 2nd Vice President Shehu Dikko have shown interest to be part of the game. We also appreciate ABS FC Football Director, Alloy Chukwuemeka who is part of the team and we hope to have fun and win,” the elated captain said.

Camp will open in Uyo on Wednesday, October 10 while the game will hold on Saturday at the Nest of Champions with a 7am kickoff time.

SWAN SELECTED SQUAD:

Goalkeepers

Olowookere Oluwabusayo (Abuja); Abayomi Ademetan (Kwara).

Defenders

China Acheru (Rivers); Olawale Quadry (Lagos); Owolabi Aleshinloye (Lagos); Johnpaul Nmamdi (Imo); Tunde Liadi (Imo); Adepoju Tobi (Lagos); Charles Diya (Lagos); Victor Modo (Lagos); Olatayo Olukunbi (Cross Rivers); Bayo Adegboyega (Ogun).

Midfielders

Sammy Adesoji (Plateau); Sunday Braimah (Rivers); Fisayo Dairo (Rivers); Andrew Randa (Plateau); Sogo Shodunke (Kwara); Michael Chukwuebuka (Anambra); Shina Oludare (Lagos); Promise Uwaeme (Abuja); Kingsley Oyero (Lagos), Sanipe Damiete Tonte (Rivers); Clement Nwamkpa (Abuja); Sammy Wejinya (Rivers); Sharif Abdallah Babs (Kano).

Forwards

Tolu Olasoji (Lagos); Olatoye Olawale (Lagos); Adams Jesse (Nasarawa); Frankie Omokhua (Enugu); Benjamin Sawadinho (Rivers); Eche Amos (Nasarawa); Emmanuel Josiah (Lagos); Olatoye Olawale (Lagos).

TECHNICAL CREW:

Head Coach: Yemi Olanrewaju YEMA (Lagos).

Assistant Coach: Chidiebere Ezeani (Lagos).

Backroom staff

Janefrances Nweze (Enugu); Jennifer Okoye (Plateau); Faith Oluchi (Rivers); Akin Bolarinwa (Abuja); AY Suga (Abuja); Lady Bibian (Rivers); Rotimi Akindele (Lagos).

Team administrator 

Alloy Chukwuemeka (Kwara).