Football: `Foreign' squad

Nigeria's French coach, Philippe Troussier, whose side has already claimed a place in the finals, has named an entirely overseas-based squad of 20 for the country's final World Cup qualifier against Guinea in Conakry next Sunday.

Troussier said he named experienced players because he wanted to completed the qualifying series with as good a record as possible.

He has called up Nigeria's 1994 World Cup goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, and the defenders Abiodun Obafemi and Patrick Paschal and the midfielders James Obiorah, Karibe Ojigwe and Ogechukwu Agali. The remaining 14 players have been squad regular members of Nigeria's unbeaten squad during the current qualifying campaign.

However, Chelsea's Celestine Babayaro is prevented from playing because of club commitments. "I invited the new faces because Sunday Oliseh, Tijjani Babangida, Celestine Babayaro and Wilson Oruma will be busy with club commitments." Troussier said. "I also want to give a chance to some new players."