Mixed reactions greet Osaze ban – . Kpakor, Emeteole, Oliha call for caution, want player recalled

The implication is that Osaze’s fans will have to wait for sometime before they would see their hero in action again for the Super Eagles. The development has since attracted wide spread reactions with former International players, Moses Kpakor, Kelechi Emeteole and Thompson Oliha supporting the decision but also calling for caution. Former Super Eagles […]

The implication is that Osaze’s fans will have to wait for sometime before they would see their hero in action again for the Super Eagles. The development has since attracted wide spread reactions with former International players, Moses Kpakor, Kelechi Emeteole and Thompson Oliha supporting the decision but also calling for caution.

Former Super Eagles player, Moses Kpakor said in as much as he is fully in support of Siasia’s move to instill discipline in the team, he did not handle Osaze’s case professionally.

According to the former ‘Policeman’ of Nigerian football, the coach himself confessed that since the player walked out on the team, they have not  met or communicated which means there has been no opportunity for the player to explain things.

“I support any effort on the side of the coach to instill discipline into the players. I played at the highest level of professional football and I know what indiscipline can do to a team. I however do not agree with his approach.

“Anytime we want to take actions to instill discipline in players or pupils, we should try to take their emotions into consideration. We have to ask to find out the reasons for such explosions. If we don’t, we would end up being dictators.

“As a former player, I know that athletes can be emotional most of the times but it is always good to give them the benefit of the doubt. As it is Osaze’s hair has been shaved in his absence which I don’t think is good enough”, he opined.

“Osaze is a fantastic player but like Siasia rightly pointed out, no single player is indispensable. There can be no greatness without discipline. I am fully in support of what Siasia did because I support coaches who do not condone indiscipline.

“I don’t like players who believe without them, the team cannot achieve anything. Osaze has been a good boy who is committed to the national team but if he has been found wanting, I do not see anything wrong in his coach reprimanding him”, said Coach Kelechi Emeteole, another ex-international.

The former Heartland FC handler however advised Coach Siasia not to throw away the baby with the bath water. He said anytime the player comes back to his senses, he should be recalled to the team.

Emeteole said most times foreign based players take their black coaches for granted and the earlier such behavior is curtailed the better for the national teams.

“The most important thing is that Siasia has proved to Osaze that he is not bigger than the country. The moment the player shows remorse, Siasia should not hesitate to bring him back. He is playing the best football at the moment and I don’t think Nigeria will gain anything by keeping him away from the national team for too long.

“So what I want to repeat is that what has happened is a lesson for Oszae and the other players to learn. I know the coach wants to inculcate discipline into the players and I support him fully. However, it is always good to tamper justice with mercy”.

Another former international, Thompson Oliha agreed with Coach Samson Siasia that no individual player is bigger than the country but said the coach should have showed more understanding and tolerance.

He said going by the events that unfolded before Siasia’s pronouncement, there is more to Osaze’s ban than meet the eyes. He said it is only the coach that can provide examples to the numerous questions that are begging for answers.

“I am sure there are other reasons why Siasia dropped Osaze. It is the coach that can provide answers to the whys. Nobody can tell what actually transpired between the two of them.

“I do not see sufficient reason why Osaze was dropped because I feel strongly that what happened called for verbal warning. Osaze is playing well and a player like him should not be dropped by any coach who wants to win.

“I therefore want Nigerians to prevail on Siasia to recall the player. The earlier this is done the better. This is not to suggest that I support acts of indiscipline. Most times, it is good to tread cautiously when dealing with players, especially those who deserve some respect”