Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is believed to have turned down the Super Eagles World Cup provisional list, submitted by head coach, Stephen Keshi because prominent names such as Captain Joseph Yobo, Osaze Odemwingie and Chinedu Obasi are missing, even as the leadership of the football ruling body insisted that the world cup must be handled with care as the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is keenly watching the development.
Besides, the NFF leadership is believed to have considered these players as too experienced to be left out by coach. The leadership has since asked Keshi to make “more consultations” before submitting the final list.
Members of the Technical Committee are said to be unhappy with Keshi’s decision to leave out Odemwingie, Obasi and Yobo, an action that attracted strong reactions.
“We were shocked to discover that despite the fact that Keshi submitted close to a 40-man list, he still left out quality players like Osaze Odemwingie, Chinedu Obasi and captain of the team Joseph Yobo, players we all know are doing very well with their various clubs,” the source told Goal.
“In as much as he defended the list vehemently and gave reasons for leaving them out which include injury claims, technical reasons and fitness issue, we told him that we are not really convinced with these reasons and that in as much as he – as the coach has the final say on this issue – we let him realise the fact that this is a World Cup and Mr President [Goodluck Jonathan] is watching with keen interest our preparations and has great expectation from the team to do well in Brazil.
“So we need to ensure things are properly done most especially as regards the players that are actors that will execute the matches at the World Cup,” the source revealed.
Keshi has however reacted to some names being quoted by media, saying that he is worried about the list he has been reading on the pages of newspapers.
“I did not make that list and I am not happy that you guys are reporting this to mislead people. We looked at the media, most especially the confusing list published, and we are using this opportunity to plead with the media to wait for the authentic list of the players to be released by the Football Federation before it is published.”
