Osaze dreams Eagles return

 Nigeria and Cardiff striker Osaze Odemwingie has set his sights at the World Cup after playing a starring role in Cardiff City’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United last Sunday.

The estranged Eagles attacker has earned 55 caps for Nigeria, but hasn’t played for his country after clashing with Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi in the run-up to the Africa Nations Cup.

Nigeria clinched a place in Brazil on November 16 with a 4-1 aggregate play-off triumph against Ethiopia, and  now Odemwingie admits he is dreaming of getting another chance at international level, Waysonline reports.

“I was in Nigeria’s squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa and I would love the chance to go again,” said the former West Brom striker.

Odemwingie believes if he produces his best form for Cardiff in the Premier League there is a real chance he will be recalled by Nigeria and take his place in Eagles squad next year in Brazil.

 “Why not?” said Odemwingie after Cardiff’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United. “Certainly, I believe there is a chance. If it comes I would be delighted. I haven’t been selected recently because the new coach wanted changes in the team. First of all it affected the older players so the situation wasn’t so friendly, but he has made it clear that any player who is active and eligible had a chance for Nigeria for the World Cup finals so we will see.

“Playing for my country in Brazil would mean so much. I was in South Africa with Nigeria during 2010 and it was a great event. Brazil is maybe even more popular football-wise so it would be great to be part of that if it happens.”

Odemwingie knows he will have to play at his best for Cardiff to force his way back into coach Stephen Keshi’s squad, but he has the chance to shine in televised Premier League matches and this Saturday he looks certain to start against Arsenal at home.

“Playing Premier League football can only help me. “No player will be in the squad unless they do well for their club.”

His compatriot Victor Moses says he wants to play as much as possible after struggling in the initial months of his Liverpool loan. The Nigeria international has been limited to five starts and three substitute appearances for the Reds following a deadline day switch to Anfield from Chelsea.

And Moses, who scored his only Reds goal in a 2-2 draw with Swansea City in September, acknowledges that he still has a lot of improvements to make to his game.

PUNCH NG