Oliseh says political interference runs Nigeria squad

Former Nigeria captain Sunday Oliseh says coach Adegboye Onigbinde is under political manipualtion to keep him away from the World Cup squad.

The Dortmund defender told BBC radio that Onigbinde's decision to drop him as captain three months ago was under orders not to pick him.

"It's not the coach deciding the team. It is somebody above him who is deciding for him who he should play," Oliseh said.

Onigbinde claimed yesterday that the player had refused several call-ups but the former Juventus player denies this:

"I was not contacted at all. I have not spoken to the coach. That is not true."

Oliseh and Finidi were dumped after the African Nations Cup in February ostensibly in a row over bonus payments but Oliseh's behaviour in Mali angered sports minister Ishaya Mark Aku and coaching staff.

Nigeria play Kenya in a friendly on Saturday but have seen striker Ade Akinbiyi of English First Division side Crystal Palace and defender Christopher Kanu withdraw from the squad with midfielder Ikpe Ekong refusing to travel claiming the call-up was received too late for him to make arrangements to leave his club.

PSG pair Austin Okocha and striker Bartholomew Ogbeche are both on club duty and have withdrawn with Arsenal star Nwankwo Kanu and Chelsea's Celestine Babayaro not selected due to their appearance in Saturday's FA Cup final.