Elaho wants Uchebo in Brazil

May 31, 2014

Michael Uchebo can force his way into Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi’s   final 23-man squad for next month’s World Cup in Brazil, says Algiers ’90 Africa Cup of Nations silver medallist Friday Elaho.

The Cercle Brugge striker, who made his international debut in the friendly game against Mexico in the United States on March 5,   built upon his performance against Scotland in London on Wednesday by scoring his first goal for the Eagles.

Uchebo, a surprise inclusion in Nigeria’s 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup, equalised with four minutes left of the first half to cancel out Charlie Mongrew’s strike after 10 minutes into the game.

The Tartan Army took the lead via an own goal by Azubuike Egwuekwe early in the second half, but Uche Nwafor capitalised on a defensive blunder to end the match in a 2-2 draw.

Former Nigeria winger Elaho, who was impressed with the way Uchebo performed in the match, feels the 24-year-old could be Nigeria’s secret weapon in Brazil and suggested his selection for the football’s showpiece in the South American country.

“Uchebo is a good player and he showed flashes of his ability during the encounter,” the Brondby legend told our correspondent on the telephone during the week.

“He scored a goal in the encounter. He has a good height and fights for the ball and gets into scoring position. I think he deserves a place in our final World Cup squad.

“He could prove very useful in the attack in difficult games at the World Cup.

“But the player must show more consistency before he can be considered for a place in the final squad.

“I would love Keshi to play him against Greece (in the United States on Wednesday). The match will be tougher than the one against Scotland. If he proves himself, he should be taken to Brazil.”

Former Enugu Rangers forward Uchebo scored five leagues goals in 21 appearances to help   Cercle Brugge place second behind Standard Liege in the Belgian Jupiler League in the just-ended season. Elaho, who is popularly called Professor, praised the national team’s fighting spirit in the match and tipped them to make an impact in Brazil.

The former Iwuanyanwu Nationale star said, “It’s a friendly match but I’m satisfied with our approach to the game.

“The   Scotland weren’t a fantastic side. They are building a new team and had nothing to lose. But we showed our quality in the game and I think the opponents were surprised we could fight back to hold them to a draw.

“Keshi and his assistants deserve commendation for what they have done so far.

“I want to see how the team will play when they face Greece who are also preparing for the World Cup.”

Elaho urged his former Eagles’ teammate Keshi to work on his defence ahead of the World Cup, lamenting poor defending in the London clash.

He said, “The problems in our defence are still there. We must solve these problems before going to Brazil to avoid silly goals.

“The World Cup is for the big boys and we can’t afford to arrive in Brazil with a weak defence.

“I believe Keshi is aware of the problems and has his plans.”

The former Africa Sports attacker praised on-loan Norwich defender Joseph Yobo for his “leadership role” in the game. He insists the Nigeria captain, who made his comeback to the Eagles after fallen out of favour with Keshi after guiding the country to the Africa Cup of Nations success last year, is still relevant to the team and suggested his inclusion in the final squad for Brazil 2014.

“Yobo played well in the game and he showed his class,” Elaho said.

“He is an experienced defender and I think his experience will benefit the team in Brazil.

“I’m not saying he should command a starting place in the team. He can play from the bench.”