Ishiaku will have to wait

By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Lagos

Manasseh Ishiaku has been told to wait by Berti Vogts

Nigeria coach Berti Vogts says striker Manasseh Ishiaku will have to wait for another chance to play for the Super Eagles.

The player was called him up for the recent friendly against Macedonia, but he failed to show.

Ishiaku says the invitation arrived barely forty-eight hours before the game, so he passed up the chance in order to concentrate on his club side, MSV Duisburg.

Pundits and fans in Nigeria have been calling for Ishiaku's inclusion in the squad.

He is the joint top scorer in the German Bundesliga, with four goals so far.

But Vogts insists that the striker passed up a golden opportunity to make an impact for the national side.

"The invitation was a chance for Ishiaku, but he did not use it", Vogts told reporters in Germany.

"He cannot come just simply when he feels like it."

Nevertheless the coach said the international door has not been shut on the 24-year-old.

"He is a very good player, but must now wait until the time comes when another chance is offered for him."

"But until such an opportunity presents itself, he must continue to prove himself."

Ishiaku signed a four-year deal worth US$1.3m with newly promoted German first division club MSV Duisburg from Belgian side Club Brugge in June.

Meanwhile, Emeka Ezeala, a representative of Vogts, said plans are underway for the Super Eagles to play friendly games against Mexico and Jamaica next month.

"We have arranged friendly games against Mexico [14 October] and Jamaica [16 October]," Ezeala told BBC Sport.

"We only have minor details to sort out, but those dates have been agreed."