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
No comments:
Post a Comment