Imenger: Super Eagles can do without Osaze, Uche

How do you fancy the chances of the Super Eagles in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil?Well Super Eagles have a bright chance. My confidence is hinged on the flowing reasons. Reason number one, there is stability in the team. Coach Steven Keshi has brought stability and discipline into the team. Secondly the players now […]

How do you fancy the chances of the Super Eagles in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil?
Well Super Eagles have a bright chance. My confidence is hinged on the flowing reasons. Reason number one, there is stability in the team. Coach Steven Keshi has brought stability and discipline into the team. Secondly the players now have more sense of patriotism. Thirdly, tactically they are doing very well. Fourthly, we are talking about African champions. So all these factors I have mentioned are going to count in favour of the Super Eagles at the World Cup. My only advice is that they should not be over confident. They should take every match seriously. They stand a chance of going far and surpassing their previous achievements in the World Cup.
Everybody talks about Argentina as Eagles toughest opponent. Do you see the Eagles breaking the Argentina jinx?
 We have been playing Argentina in the past three World Cups and our matches against Argentina have been very close. So I think the Super Eagles coach or coaches should start studying the mode of play or tactical play of the Argentines. For me as a coach, Argentina is the only team that poses a major threat. Eagles can effectively handle Iran. Bosnia comes with European football which is space marking, space movement and all that which the Eagles can handle.
Most Nigerians are worried that Super Eagles key players are warming the bench in their clubs in Europe. What is your take on this?
Yeah, our key players are not having enough playing time in their clubs in Europe, and we must be worried because it would have adverse effect on the team. At this very hour we need all our players to be playing regularly so as to be match fit. I am bothered about Mikel and Victor Moses. I am very bothered that they are not having enough playing time. My only consolation is that maybe before the World Cup the Super Eagles will play two or three friendly matches that would help get them in shape for the World Cup.
What is your take on the ongoing clamour for Keshi to recall Osaze Odemwingie and Ikechukwu Uche to the team?
Well if I am to be very frank with you, in my personal point of view, I think with the current set of players in the team, Eagles can do without Osaze and Ikechuwkwu Uche. Even without these players, the present Eagles can give Nigerians what they want. The call for the return of these players is a distraction. Without these players Eagles qualified for the World Cup. I agree we need to strengthen the team in some areas but when it has to do with discipline of players, we have to tread cautiously. We know that Uche is scoring goals but there are concerns about his discipline. I do not support indiscipline most especially when a player looks down on his coaches and team mates. It brings problems in the dressing room. Keshi should be allowed to do his job. He has not failed Nigeria and I don’t think he will start in Brazil.
What department of the team would you want Keshi to strengthen ahead of the World Cup?
Yeah, I think the attacking line of the Eagles needs to be strengthened. He also needs to strengthen the midfield so that Mikel’s efforts will be complemented. We all know that Mikel does all the passing. So we need someone to complement him. I think the defence does not have much problems. The goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama is in top shape and is experienced enough to guide the defenders.
Apart from Nigeria, which other country do you see as potential winner of the 2014 World Cup?
Apart from Nigeria, I think the host country Brazil should be number one and number two should be Spain and also Germany. This is based on the qualification matches they played and I watched. These are the teams to look out for.
Recently, you were elevated to the position of General Manager of Lobi Stars. How are you coping with your new responsibility?
It is an enormous task moving on from coaching into administrative work. I am learning fast on the job. I am lucky to have the vice-chairman, Mr. Dominic Iorfa who is assisting me to settle down on the job. You know that Iorfa is an astute football administrator. He played the game at the highest level and for close to two decades now, he has been active in administering football in Nigeria. He is giving me all the support that I need to succeed.