Wednesday, 27 November 2013

Brazil 2014: Keshi reads Riot Act to Eagles


Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has explained that dressing room harmony takes precedence over talent in his team selection.
A number of high-profile players have been snubbed by Keshi since his appointment, and with the Super Eagles having qualified for the World Cup, there have been widespread calls for the recalls of the likes of Joseph Yobo, Osaze Odemwingie, Taye Taiwo, Obafemi Martins and Ike Uche.
But Keshi insists that only players whose presence will foster team spirit will make his squad.
“Bringing in players is not just about the football side, it’s about the complete player that we need,” Keshi tells KickOffNigeria.com. “You can be an excellent player, but you also divide the house.
“And I will not take  a player that will break the team when we know that it is unity we are looking to build.
“I don’t care if you score 20 goals a game, and you cause confusion, I will take you out.

“We need a team, in and out of the field. So if we see a player that has those qualities, that can lead the team, help the team to grow, and work hard, then sure he will be part of the team.
“(Vincent) Enyeama is captain of the team for now, and he’s doing a great job, but if he doesn’t give me what I want, he’s out and I will look for somebody who can.”
Keshi did say that players who fit the mould will get a chance to impress starting from March when the team begins their World Cup preparations.
“Starting from the month of March we should be having some friendly games. Some of them that are not here, we might give them an opportunity to show themselves.
“But I can only take 23 players to the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Idah Peterside has backed the recall of Ikechukwu Uche to the Super Eagles set-up after the in-form strike signalled an intention to re-join the national team set-up.
Peterside, a former Nigeria international and TV pundit used his twitter handle to call on Keshi to recall the 29-year-old who scored twice for Villarreal CF against UD Levante at the weekend.
“I think it’s time to bring back Ikechukwu Uche to the Super Eagles,” he tweeted.

Source

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