Dillydallying with Eagles World Cup list

On April 22, a meeting between the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation and Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi held in Abuja but nothing came out of it.After the meeting that was preceded by high expectations, the NFF committee said the list would be released in a few days time but […]

On April 22, a meeting between the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation and Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi held in Abuja but nothing came out of it.
After the meeting that was preceded by high expectations, the NFF committee said the list would be released in a few days time but everybody has been left guessing as to when the list will be out and the calibre of players that would be picked to go into close camping in the USA.
The failure of the football federation and Keshi to release the list has brought about speculations which have continued to gather momentum. While some people have accused the NFF of attempting to tamper with the list submitted by the coach, others are of the view that Keshi’s personal interest actually stalled the release of the list.
SHOT! investigation has revealed that contrary to reports that Keshi submitted a list of 28 players which was flatly rejected by the NFF, the coach actually attended the meeting without any list.
Our source who is a member of the Technical Committee said those who attended the April 22 meeting were shocked to their marrows when the coach told them he was not with the list.
“Let me tell you the truth. Keshi did not attend the meeting with any list. He could not convince anybody on why he did not come along with the list.
“In my opinion, the coach is up to something funny. He has interest in certain players and he is delaying the list so that when he submits it, it will be too late for it to be thoroughly vetted.
“He should forget the fact that he won the Nations Cup in South Africa. The World Cup is a different ball game”, the aggrieved member said.
It is an open secret that Keshi is reluctant to include players like Osaze Odemwingie, Victor Anichebe, Ikechuwkwu Uche, Joseph Yobo and Chinedu Obasi in the list but most members of the NFF technical committee feel some of the players deserve to be in the team.
So it is said what is delaying the release of the list is the disagreement which has ensued between the coach and the NFF over some of the aforementioned players.
In addition, NFF is not comfortable with the decision of Keshi to invite only 28 players to camp. It is said the NFF wants at least 40 players to be invited in case of injuries during camping.
However, what is of uttermost concern to Nigerians is that they are yet to know the names of the players that will be flying the country’s flag in Brazil and time is fast running out.
Just as Nigerian football fans are running out of patience, some of the home based Eagles who stand a chance of appearing on the list are also waiting eagerly.
Some of the players who spoke to SHOT! said they cannot wait to see their names in the list of players to vie for Brazil 2014 shirts.
CHAN 2014 MVP and Rangers star player, Uzoenyi Ejike said he is not in contention with anybody for a place in the team but will be happy to be invited.
He said he is doing his best for his club hoping that the coach will still repose the usual confidence in him.
“I am praying that I should not sustain any injury that will sideline me. I am not under any form of pressure because with God all things are possible. I believe I will be invited again”, he said.
Kano Pillars FC midfielder and member of the 2014 CHAN, Shehu Abdullahi also said he cannot wait to see his name on the list of players for the World Cup.
He said having given his best at the CHAN in South Africa, he is optimistic that the team handlers would give him another opportunity to represent Nigeria.
“I have confidence in myself and I believe that if I am invited to camp, I will do my best to be in Brazil. I did my best in South Africa and I am not resting on my oars”, he said.
Sunshine Stars defender and member of CHAN Eagles, Solomon Kwambe said the coach and the NFF know what is good for the team.
He said they should be allowed to concentrate and come out with the list that will inspire hope and confidence in everybody.
“My prayer is that when the list is out, my name should be on it. Playing in Brazil will make my dreams come true.
“In as much as we are all waiting, nobody should rush those in charge. Anything worth doing is worth doing well”, he admonished.
The NFF on its part has not come out with any categorical statement on what is responsible for the delay but another meeting has been slated for May 6.
It is hoped that after the meeting the list of players will be made public and that would be five days to FIFA’s deadline.
NFF has been urged to avoid FIFA sanctions by submitting the list within the stipulated time. “It is always good to do things at the right time. I feel NFF should put its act together and come up with the list so that Nigeria will know who and who is going to fight for places in the team.
“Most of the players have been kept in suspense and this is not good for their psyche. If they know their fate in good time, it will enable them to prepare themselves for the challenges ahead”, said former international Barnabas Imenger.