Patrick Boateng Washington, D.C. Why didn’t WUSA teams select any African players, especially the skillful Nigerians? Scott French: Hello, Patrick. There are only a few African players — Mercy Akide, Patience Avre, Florence Omagbemi — for whom the WUSA would have any interest, as there are only 32 foreign-player slots available. Lauren Gregg, who is charge of player-personnel, initiated contact with the best of the Nigerians about six months ago. Mercy and Florence are attending Milligan College in Tennessee, and although they have expressed interest in playing in the WUSA, neither made the decision to leave Milligan in time for the draft. They are pursuing degrees and may decide not to play in the WUSA until they have earned their diplomas. If and when they determine they are ready to play in the league, WUSA will be waiting. (If you have a question for a Soccer America Magazine editor, click “Q&A with SA Editors” in the left column of the home page under “Interactive.”)