Adepoju: Nobody should impose players on Keshi

What are the chances of Super Eagles at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil?With the right preparation and commitment on the part of the players, the Super Eagles can do well at the World Cup. I think if they can play some quality friendly matches that would put the players in good shape, the Eagles […]

What are the chances of Super Eagles at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil?
With the right preparation and commitment on the part of the players, the Super Eagles can do well at the World Cup. I think if they can play some quality friendly matches that would put the players in good shape, the Eagles can make appreciable impact at the Mundial.
Although Nigeria is in Group F along with Argentina, Iran and Bosnia and Herzegovina, everybody seems to be talking about Argentina as Nigeria’s toughest opponent. Do you also think it is only Argentina that will pose a threat to the Eagles?
We shouldn’t be looking at Argentina alone. The other countries are not there for joke or just to make up the numbers. So we should not be looking at Argentina alone. Eagles should be prepared for all the teams that are in the same group with us. Argentina is just one out of the teams. We should be ready to face all the teams.
What are the chances of the other African countries that will represent the continent in Brazil?
Even the smallest teams have chances. Every team has equal chances of playing well at the world Cup. It all depends on preparations.
Do you also see the recent calls for Coach Keshi to recall Osaze Odemwingie, Ikechukwu Uche and Joseph Yobo to the team as a distraction?
I don’t see it as a distraction because everybody has his opinion to ask for what he or she wants from the coach. I just believe that it is the coach who knows the kind of players that he wants and he decides the players he wants to take to the World Cup.  He is the one to take responsibility in the end. He should be allowed to take the players he wants to take to the World Cup. This should not be an issue for debate.
Which means you support the coach on his ‘no room for new faces’ comment….
Well I agree with him if he believes that those players who gave him the AFCON trophy in South Africa are good enough for the World Cup, all well and good. I do not have any objection. As the man in charge, he knows the kind of players that would be motivated at every particular moment.
Most Nigerians have condemned NFF’s decision to query Keshi’s recent ‘AWOL’. What is your take on this?
That is an internal thing. It is not for me to say if he should be queried or not. I am not privy to the contract so I do not know what it says about the coach and his employers. Like I said, that is internal and I don’t think I should get myself involved.
Most of the Key players in Super Eagles are warming the bench in their European clubs. Is this not a disturbing?
Well it might be worrisome but we have to look at the situation on ground. We are talking about top professionals. These are players who know how to keep themselves in shape for the World Cup even if they are not playing regularly for their clubs. The players know what to do to be in World Cup form.
Apart from Nigeria, which other countries would you say are favourites to win the 2014 World Cup?
Well as we all know Argentina is one of such countries. They have won the title before and at the moment, they boast of some of the best players around. There is also Germany and Brazil.
Following their FIFA Confederation Cup victory on home soil, many people are tipping Brazil to win the World Cup. Do you have a contrary opinion?
Well, I have listed Brazil among the favourites. I am not giving it to one country. All have their preparations and it will be wrong to give it to one country at once. In no definite order, these are the countries I believe one of them can lift the world cup- Argentina, Germany and Brazil.
Finally, how are you coping with your present responsibility as Administrator of Kwara Football Academy?
We are trying our best to make sure we identify and develop good players. We have a lot of talents to be developed for the national teams and clubs in Nigeria. This is another responsibility I am handling to the best of my abilities.