After several days of waiting, Nigeria’s head coach Stephen Keshi on Monday mid-night finally named his 23-man squad players for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Some reports had it that Keshi and the NFF had a disagreement over certain players not to be included in the team, which enhanced the delay in the announcement.
It is understood that some of the NFF officials queried the exclusion of Nosa Igiebor from the team, while Reuben Gabriel was in.
The list was eventually made public after the team had its last training session on Monday evening, in preparation for the friendly game against Greece.
Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, is in the eye of the storm, following his final 23-man squad selected for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Reactions are beginning to trail the controversial list that saw the exclusions of key players that will do business in Brazil.
Nigerians were shock to see the likes of African Nations Cup 2013 hero, Sunday Mba, CHAN Most Valuable Player (MVP) Ejike Uzoenyi and Real Betis midfielder NosaIgiebor dropped from the 23-man list.
Sunday Mba, who helped Nigeria secure a third CAF Africa Cup of Nations last year, scored the winning goal in the 2013 Nations Cup final against Burkina Faso, was late in joining the Super Eagles’ training squad in London last week because of a visa hitch.
Mba’s case was not made easy when he became the last player to arrive the Super Eagles camp, after the friendly against Scotland last Wednesday.
Keshi had admitted that it was a very difficult and tough decision to make, but his admission had not combat unraveled nerves as he had come under bombardment of criticism.
But Keshi said the midfielder has since not shown enough desire to be part of the 23-man squad going to Brazil.
“His lateness to camp contributed to his missing out but outside that he did not show the hunger, the fight, we expected for him,” explained Keshi.
“We have only two and half weeks to prepare for the World Cup and he was not giving us what we wanted. He was very relaxed and it was unlike him.”
Surprise inclusions are Ukraine -based forward, Babatunde Micheal and Kunle Odunlami, who plays for Sunshine Stars of Akure.
Skipper Joseph Yobo and striker Osaze Odewingie will feature for Nigeria in Brazil after being recalled b into the national team following a long absence in the wilderness for over a year.
Former Nigerian international, Etim Esin says Keshi will have to justify to over 120 million Nigerians on his choice of players for the World Cup.
“This list has not made Nigerians happy and I know that this would be a difficult World Cup for Keshi because, it is all about results.”
He also faulted the inclusion of New Castle striker Shola Ameobi , while young, talented and enterprising Ejike Uzoenyi who played a key role in the World Cup qualification did not make the squad.
“I wonder what Shola Amaeobi is doing in the team while a talented player like Ejike Uzoenyi that every Nigerians would love to see at the World Cup is dropped.
“As the coach, Keshi has given us his best 23 players and we should back him up, though it is sad that players that worked for the World Cup are left behind while those that had no contribution to the qualifications strolled into the team.”
The Super Eagles struggled to a goalless draw against Greece in the early hours on Wednesday in a World Cup friendly.
The Eagles were not clinical in front of goal as Emenike was seen running round the pitch without passes from the midfielders.
Victor Moses showed beautiful display as he run and dazzles creating problems in Greece defence.
The Big Boss’s questionable squad selection decisions were suddenly thrown under the spotlight last night following the role Odemwingie played.
Keshi made a tactical error by playing Odemwingie behind Emenike. The Stoke City striker was played out of position. He largely found himself clogging up congested areas, losing possession easily. Odemwingie best position is on the right flank.
Playing Moses, Musa and Odemwingie on the pitch at the same time; knowing fully well that these played play similar roles is one of the tactical blunders that was evident in the game.
Keshi needs to work more on the midfield and attack, show more of his technical and tactical skill in the team. The display put up against Greece may not earn Nigeria the desired result at the Mundial.
Many Nigerians are not convinced at the performance of the Super Eagles against Greece; making the second successive draw for Nigeria following a 2-2 draw with Scotland last Wednesday in warm-up friendlies.
Nigerians are hoping that the Super Eagles improve on their games as they take on the United States in Jacksonville on Saturday as they continue their preparations ahead of the June 16 Group F clash with Iran.
ANTHONY NLEBEM
