Anonam to start training with Malta national squad

Sliema Wanderers striker Orosco Anonam yesterday agreed to start training for the Malta squad after he was contacted by assistant coach Carmel Busuttil and national teams' secretary Ivan Vella.

Nigerian-born Anonam, 25, was in the news lately after acquiring Maltese citizenship which makes him eligible to play for the national team.

However, the association's stringent rules on foreign players deprive him of full status in club football since he has not played in local youth competitions for three successive seasons.

With Sliema, Anonam is still considered a 'foreign' player.

Contacted yesterday, Anonam said: "This is a strange situation for me. Things look complicated at the moment and I wish someone will sort this out with the association.

"For me, it's a great honour to start training for the national team and hope I will eventually give a good contribution to the team.

"I played with Busuttil in my first year at Sliema. Now, I'm looking forward to renew ties with him."

Anonam, who joined Sliema in 2000 from Naxxar Lions, has never played for Nigeria at any level.

Some years back, he was selected to play for the Super Eagles' U-21 team but he was not notified in time to make the trip to north Africa and the chance was lost.

With Sliema not in action this weekend, Anonam will be travelling abroad at the weekend. He is likely to join the national squad at Ta' Qali on Wednesday.