3rd June, 2014
Taiwo Adelu
Former Super Eagles coach, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde has charged the 23 lucky players that made Nigeria’s final list to the 2014 FIFA World Cup to be good ambassadors of the country when hostilities begin in Brazil.
After hours of apprehension yesterday, Chief Coach Stephen Keshi finally made public the 23-man squad around 12 midnight Monday with seven of the players dropped. Speaking with P.M.NEWS Sports early today, Onigbinde who took Nigeria to the 2002 Japan/Korea World Cup said that to whom much is given, much is expected, adding that the 23 players that made the final list should count themselves lucky. He said that they should reciprocate the chance given to them by proving beyond reasonable doubt that they merit going to the World Cup.
“The 23 players should remember that they are now representing the whole Nigeria at the World Cup and by this all eyes are on them to perform and not disappoint us at the world championship. They are not the best, but the coach knows why he is taking them to the World Cup. My advice is that they should prove themselves now that they have been chosen,” said the FIFA/CAF Instructor.
Onigbinde posited that Coach Keshi must have drawn up his games plan for the World Cup, the most important reason he carefully selected the 23-man squad. On what to expect from Eagles in a group that consists of Argentina, Iran and Bosnia, Onigbinde said that football is not mathematics, adding that anything can happen. “I believe that with good preparation on the part of our team, anything can happen in the group. Nigeria should watch out. I can only wish Keshi and the team well,” he said.
Meanwhile, the seven dropped players, Daniel Akpeyi, Ejike Uzoenyi, Victor Obinna, Joel Obi, Nosa Igiebor, Sunday Mba and Nnamadi Oduamadi will leave the team camp and return to their respective bases on Thursday.
The Squad
GOALKEEPERS: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim
DEFENDERS: Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe Ambrose, Kunle Odunlami
MIDFIELDERS: John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Michael Uchebo, Reuben Gabriel
FORWARDS: Osaze Odemwingie, Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Babatunde Michael, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor.