Stephen Keshi is adamant that the Super Eagles, will not miss Osaze Odemwingie at the African Nations Cup next January.
The head coach of the Nigerian team, was speaking to e News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja, in response to the criticisms that have followed the 32-man list he released this week.
Keshi insisted that there was nothing personal against the players and that he has selected the best that the country has.
“We don’t need Osaze right now; that is all. He is not a bad player and there is nothing personal about it,” he said.
“It is just that at this point in time, there are some players that were not called and we don’t have anything against them. We also did not invite Obafemi Martins, why are Nigerians not talking about him?
“These players are not the only Nigerians playing; this is what we want for now. All we want for now from Nigerians is to support the players that are there in prayers,” Keshi said.
Speaking on Levante striker Obafemi Martins, who also did not make the cut, Keshi said the dimunitive striker did not shine when he was given the chance to.
“Martins is a good player and has done so well for this country. However, I have some other players I have used before and I think I have confidence in them, not that I don’t have confidence in Martins, but his time will come.
“He is still a young man and is still playing,” Keshi said.
Aminu Maigari, the chairman of the Nigeria Football Association, stood by the former Togo boss, saying his decisions were final.
“Actually the duty of the NFA board is to regulate, we don’t impose players on the coaches. But I was able to attend part of the last segment of the technical committee meeting with the coaches themselves.
“At the meeting, I asked why Osaze was not invited and the committee said it had also asked similar question, but the coach gave his reasons and they were convinced.
“I was satisfied too, because I feel it is not my right to come and say the coach must bring back a particular player,” Maigari said.
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