Stephen Keshi has finally revealed that he dropped big names like Osaze Odewmingie, from his squad to the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations, because of “character problems”.
The West Brom striker did not make the provisional list, along with Obafemi Martins, Taiye Taiwo, etc. and the coach, who led the team to gold at the tournament, has finally explained why he took such a drastic decision.
“We decided not to take some of these superstars to the Nations Cup because it is a long period of time and for the long period of time, you need characters who go together,” Keshi said on Monday Night Football.
“And if you have one or two who do not get along, foregt abt the superstars, the team will fall apart. I can bring a player in for a game. We can manage some of these players with a little bit of character problems, but when it comes to a long period of time, that’s difficult.
“Odemwingie is a very good player, a player I love to have in the team, but he wants to do what he wants to do.
“In the national team, where I was captain for 14 years, you are nothing but a figure in the team, you are not bigger than Nigeria. If you are not ready to give the green and white shirt the due respect, you are walking out of my team.
“We talked on the phone, I told him what I wanted from him, but he had his own notion and I said for now, I will skip you.”
Keshi also spoke about Levante striker, Obafemi Martins, revealing that the ‘weapon of mass destruction’, was not ready for the competition.
He said: “Martins I was sure was not ready for the Cup of Nations. He is still part of the group. If his name is in the next call-up, if he wants to come, we will see how it goes.”
The 53-year-old admitted that he missed Shola Ameobi at the AFCON. The Newcastle striker missed out because of a clause in his contract.
“Honestly speaking, I missed Shola Ameobi (at the AFCON). In the game against Venezuela, he has a different presence in the locker room, he came in with this coaching ability and togetherness, when he talks to these boys they listen. This was the first time he was coming.
“This was what I was looking for on the pitch, somebody who could talk for me on the field, because I know what I did as a captain on the pitch.
“He was really, really ready to come, but what was on his contract denied him from coming.”
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