Eagles can’t afford to lose Moses – Keshi

Keshi is most likely to play Moses and CSKA Moscow star Ahmed Musa on the wings against Rwanda in Kigali Wednesday in a 2013 Nations Cup qualifier. Moses nationality switch has been approved by world football governing body FIFA even though speculations persist the forward may be having a rethink and could still jump at […]

Keshi is most likely to play Moses and CSKA Moscow star Ahmed Musa on the wings against Rwanda in Kigali Wednesday in a 2013 Nations Cup qualifier.

Moses nationality switch has been approved by world football governing body FIFA even though speculations persist the forward may be having a rethink and could still jump at chance to feature for England at full international level.

“I cannot afford to lose Moses to England and the only way I can do that is to feature him,” said Keshi, who picked the Wigan star ahead of on-form Chinedu Obasi of German Bundesliga side Schalke 04.

“It will be a great risk to shut out Moses now coupled with some reports that are linking him with England.

“I really want to give Moses a chance so that we could cap him.”

Moses fled Nigeria for England at a very young age and he has since represented England at various age-group levels.

Last June, he could not make his Eagles debut against Ethiopia in a 2012 Nations Cup qualifier in Abuja because FIFA were yet to give their blessings to his decision to now play for his native country.

But after several months of anxiety, his application to switch nationality finally came through and Keshi has now picked him to make his competitive debut.

Keshi has drastically cut back his overseas-based pros as he gives players from the domestic league a decent chance to compete for places in his team.