Saturday 21 December 2013

Osaze still relevant to Eagles – Taribo West

Former Inter Milan strongman Taribo West maintains Cardiff forward Osaze Odemwingie  can provide  the Super Eagles with the experience they need to make an impact at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The 32-year-old has been languishing in the international wilderness since he clashed with  Stephen Keshi after  the Africa Cup of Nations  qualifier against Rwanda last year.

He took to his Twitter page to attack Keshi for not selecting him for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations won by Nigeria on February 10 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Keshi was quoted as saying on Wednesday that Osaze and  Joseph Yobo  were still members of the team and would return “when necessary”.

And Taribo, who praised Keshi for instilling discipline in the Eagles since he took over the team in 2011, suggested  the recall of all out-of-favour players, including Osaze, Yobo, Obafemi Martins, Ike Uche  and Taye Taiwo.

“I like the way Keshi has been giving players the opportunity to prove themselves in the national team and I want him to throw the World Cup camp open for those who have not been given a chance to play for the country for some time.

“Clemens Westerhof did that  before selecting his squad for the 1994 World Cup in the US.

“I was there but I couldn’t make the squad. Mike Emenalo came and made it.

“(Nigeria ’80 Africa Cup winner) Godwin Odiye, Wole Odegbami and  Amaechi Otiji were among the players that came to the camp.

“We should give as many players as possible the opportunity to prove themselves. If the old players are good enough, they should be picked for the World Cup. If they have nothing to offer, they should not make the squad.

“I believe Osaze is still good, and his experience will help us in Brazil. But Keshi is in charge and we must respect his decision.

“He should be allowed to select those he feels will deliver at the World Cup.”

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