Oshaniwa foresees tough fight for Eagles role

May 20, 2014 

 

Juwon Oshaniwa

Israel-based Super Eagles left-back, Juwon Oshaniwa, says he was not surprised in being listed in coach Stephen Keshi’s 30-man provisional list for the 2014 World Cup despite being largely left out of the national team for over a year, but admits there will be a tough fight for final places in the squad.

Oshaniwa came on for Monaco’s Elderson Echiejile in the final of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa and helped the Eagles to a third continental title but he was left out of the squad to the Confederations Cup and played less vital roles during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

But reprieve came his way when he was called up for the friendly against Mexico in March and the FC Ashdod player says he always felt a part of the team even when he was not called up for games.

“I am and have always been part of the team; I don’t have any hard feelings (for being left out before now). I know the coach had his reasons for leaving me out,” Oshaniwa said.

“I knew if I kept working hard, I would be called up again. So, when the invitation came, it didn’t come as a surprise. My teammates and officials were happy at my invitation and they wished me and the national team victory in Brazil.”

The Ahmadu Bello University Agricultural Technology graduate however admits that the battle had just begun for the final 23-man list for the trip to Brazil.

“It’s not over until it’s over, the work has just started and everyone in this list now is capable of making the final 23-man squad.”

Nigeria are in a tricky Group F that also comprises Argentina, Iran and debutants Bosnia Herzegovina and the 23-year-old believes only hard work can see the Eagles through to the knockout stages.

“What is easy in the World Cup? World Cup is World Cup and it’s the survival of the fittest. It’s a competition of the best teams in the world, so it’s going to be tough. But I believe that with collective hard work, we can advance,” the ex-Sharks defender said.