Super Eagles' head coach, Shuaibu Amodu, has said that he would not take risk with untested players when Nigeria opens its quest for a place in the 2010 World Cup finals on May 30 against host, South Africa.

Speaking to Daily Independent on Tuesday from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Amodu said though he was ready to take chances with untested players in the national team during international friendly matches, he would be cautious when major championships such as the World and Nations Cup qualifiers take place.

He continued that his decision not to place his bet on untested players does not mean they would not be given their chances to play in the World and Nations Cup qualifier.

"I have resolved to play the best and when I say the best I mean tested and experienced players. I know that there might be undue criticism as per selection of players but I will play those that are the best. As for the untested players, they would gradually join the main team as they continue to play friendly matches because it would be too early to just rush them to play big games.

"I am not saying that those who perform exceptionally well will not be called up to the main team. I will ensure that they are called up and they will need to understudy those who have been there and in time they will become core members of the team as well," he said.

Amodu, however, warned that players who have been invited to the national team should honour the call or risk losing their places.

The former Sharks Football Club coach was apparently reacting to comments made by Christian Obodo and Obafemi Martins, who are opting out of the friendly match against Austria billed for May 27 in Graz.

"I will not hesitate to give the positions of those who refuse to honour calls to the national team to those keen and willing when the World Cup qualifiers begin.

Only who give genuine reasons will be excused," he said.

Amodu, who returned to the saddle of Super Eagles' head coach for the third time in April, told our reporter that every player would be accorded equal treatment for matches involving the national team.

The 50-year-old coach, who has also managed South African club, Orlando Pirates, assured that he and other members of the Super Eagles' coaching crew would qualify Nigeria for the 2010 Mundial in South Africa.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria is seeded in Group 4 alongside South Africa, Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone.