Osaze must perform in Brazil – Semitoje

June 7, 2014

Osaze Odemwingie

Tunisia ’94 Africa Cup of Nations winner Isaac Semitoje has told Osaze Odemwingie he must prove he deserves his place in Nigeria’s squad for this summer’s World Cup in Brazil to justify the huge clamour for his inclusion on the 23-man roster.

The 32-year-old played his first match for the Super Eagles in Wednesday’s friendly game against Euro 2004 champions Greece in the United States after an international exile of some two years after his Twitter rant against Keshi. The encounter ended in a goalless draw.

Osaze missed the South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations won by Nigeria, the World Cup qualifiers and the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

With the striker hitting top form after joining Stoke City from Cardiff City in January, Keshi came under pressure from Osaze’s fans to involve the former Lokomotiv Moscow star and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games silver medallist in his World Cup plans.

And former Eagles defender Semitoje believes that the England-based player is deserving of his inclusion on the World Cup list. But he said the former Lille forward must seize the opportunity to show his class in Brazil – to repay the faith placed in him by his fans.

“I’m happy that Keshi picked him (Osaze) for the tournament. He deserves his place in the squad,” the Algiers ’90 Africa Cup of Nations silver medallist told our correspondent on the telephone from Denmark during the week.

“But he shouldn’t disappoint those who fought for his recall to the national team. He must be ready to sacrifice himself 100 per cent for the team.

“He’s an experienced player and he must prove this in Brazil. He is a great role model for our younger players   and he can help motivate the team to succeed.

“Osaze had a fantastic season in England, and he was one of the players who distinguished themselves in the Premier League.

“He must strive to be one of the explosive players in the World Cup. He has the quality to do this and I believe he will.

“He can’t afford to fail because many people will be disappointed.”

The versatile former Iwuanyanwu Nationale player also welcomes defender Joseph Yobo’s inclusion in the squad, saying his experience in previous World Cups (Korea/Japan 2002 and South Africa 2010) will benefit the Eagles in Brazil.

Semitoje said, “He’s the captain of the team and I think Keshi made the right decision in picking him for the tournament.

“Whether he plays or not his experience will still prove vital in the competition because we have a young defence. He must support Kenneth Omeruo, Godfrey Oboabona, Efe Ambrose and Elderson Echiejile. The team need his experience.”

He lamented the decision to exclude South Africa 2014 CHAN hero Ejike Uzoenyi from the list, saying his inclusion would have given Keshi more options in the attack.

However, the ex-Glostrup FK of Denmark star, who is a coach in the Scandinavian country, urged Uzoenyi and other players dropped from the World Cup squad to work harder.

“This is not the last World Cup and the players shouldn’t lose hope,” Semitoje, who was dropped on the eve of the Eagles’ departure to the United States to play in the 1994 World Cup, said.

“It doesn’t mean the coach hates them. Only 23 players are required and the coach had to drop some players.

“Some of the players dropped are still young and if they work hard, they could be invited for next Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.”