Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi has revealed that
players like Peter Odemwingie, Taye Taiwo and
Ikechukwu Uche could be handed shock recalls to the
national team ahead of the 2014 Fifa World Cup in
Brazil.
Keshi stunned many by leaving out experienced talent
from his 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and received a
backlash from many who felt he was treading on thin
ice.
He was eventually justified in his selections as
Nigerian romped to a third Afcon success with a
relatively inexperienced squad.
The “Big Boss” as Keshi is fondly called has now
revealed that he has not shut the door completely on
any individual as he begins preparations for the World
Cup.
“Contrary to what some people think, I have not shut
the door on players like Osaze (Peter Odemwingie), Ike
Uche and even Taiye Taiwo. They are Nigerians and
are eligible to play for the Super Eagles at all times,”
Keshi exclusively told supersport.com.
The gaffer however stated that they will only get a
look in if they “prove themselves.”
“When I was in the national team, nobody had an
automatic shirt. I was the captain but I did not play in
all the games.
“Everyday in training, it was war. We fought and
sweated to show the coaches that we were worthy of
the shirt. That is the norm now as well,” he said.
Otigba, Ameobi and uncapped talent
Keshi is casting his net far afield and will not mind
blooding several uncapped players as he looks to
build a squad that will punch above their weight in
Brazil.
Names like Kenneth “Kenny” Otigba and Sammy
Ameobi readily prop up following their scintillating
displays for Heerenveen and Newcastle United
respectively.
Keshi however insists players of such ilk will only be
allowed to sneak in if they prove they are better than
the ones currently in the squad.
“To be honest, I don’t know much about Otigba but
we have a good scouting network that will enable me
look at all players eligible to play for Nigeria.
“Everyone who is eligible to play for Nigeria has a
chance and I am being totally honest here.
“I will assess their performances at their different clubs
and we will take a decision but if these players are not
better than those that I already have in the team, then
they don’t have any chance.
“However, if they show that they are better and can
make the team stronger, why not?
“It does not matter if they have played for the Super
Eagles previously or not.
“I recall that before the 1994 Fifa World Cup, players
like Michael Emenalo and Chidi Nwanu did not kick a
ball in (the qualifying tournament.)
“They also did not play at the Nations Cup earlier that
year but when they showed the coaches what they
could do, they came in.
“I have not selected my team for the World Cup. No
one has a guaranteed shirt and we will keep working
until we know the 23 players that will go to Brazil,” he
said.
Keshi who won 64 caps and scored nine goals for
Nigeria as a player, replaced Samson Siasia as Super
Eagles coach in 2011 and has yet to lose a
competitive game to African opposition.
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