Speculations abound during Super Eagles’ squad selection process | Tunde Folawiyo
The assistant director of communications at the NFA, Ademola Olajire, has announced that the Super Eagles’ final training session will begin on the 26th of May; he explained that although they would prefer to prepare a little earlier, this was not possible, as most of the players will be busy with their own clubs’ matches up until midway through the month, and will then need a rest before they start focusing on the tournament. Olajire added that, as the World Cup draws nearer, the competition for places in the squad is becoming more and more intense, with dozens of players hoping to impress Keshi and secure a place on the team.
The coach has stated that he intends to have a 35-man, rather than a 30-man squad; this might come as a surprise to Tunde Folawiyo, and other Eagles’ fans. Whilst it’s good news for those who wish to join the team for the tournament, it is a decision which Keshi will need to justify to the NFF’s technical committee. He is due to meet with them, and present his case this coming week in Abuja; however, Chris Green, who serves as the chairman of this committee, has assured the public that they will not be asking Keshi to explain the inclusion of each individual player, but will merely be requesting that he discuss his decision to create a larger-than-average squad.
Sports fanatics like Tunde Folawiyo might be aware Keshi is considering bringing Peter Osaze Odemwingie on board. As of late, this player has been performed exceptionally well with Stoke City, and it seems entirely possible that Keshi will select him for the final squad. However, when asked about this, Keshi remained rather tight-lipped; speaking to the press, he explained that although he was pleased that Odemwingie had been scoring goals for his English club, this would not guarantee him a place on the Eagles team at the World Cup. He went on to say that he would not invite any players that could potentially disrupt the sense of unity which the team currently has.
Whilst the coach has yet to reveal his decision regarding this particular player, the public have already made it clear that they wholeheartedly support Odemwingie’s return to the Eagles; a survey conducted by Goal Nigeria showed that 86% of their readers would be happy to see him join the squad for the upcoming tournament.
Tags: Africa, FIFA World Cup, Nigeria National Football Team, Nigerian football team, Peter Osaze Odemwingie, sporting generation, Stephen Keshi, Super Eagles, Tunde Folawiyo, tunde folawiyo africa, tunde folawiyo bio, tunde folawiyo london, World Cup