Ka’Oje clamours for return of Osaze, Yobo, Anichebe

Former Minister of Sports, Bala Ka’Oje, has urged Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi, to recall all the sidelined players like Captain of the team, Joseph Yobo,
Osaze Odemwingie, Ikechukwu Uche, Victor Anichebe, Taiye Taiwo and
other experienced players to make the team very solid and ready for any football challenge.
The sports administrator cum politician said: “As regards the issue of the sidelined players of the Super Eagles, I think they should be brought back now to make the team very formidable and stronger.
“We need the mix of young and talented players and
experienced players to make the team very strong and ready for the world challenge.
“My problem is that I do not appreciate a situation where there is rancour.
“I like leadership that tries to be patient and enduring.
“That is why I feel that all those players who are good, no matter their behaviour, should still be considered and be talked to.
“Let them come back to the fold and continue to do their best for the country.”
Ka’Oje also tasked Keshi on overhauling the attack and defence positions of the team.
He said: “We have also told Keshi to work on the defence and attack of the team.
“There are lapses in this areas as detected during the FIFA
Confederation Cup and recently in the home-based Eagles performance away to Cote d’Ivoire in the CHAN qualifier.
“When this is done, the team will definitely be unstoppable.”
The former Minister also believed that Keshi could lead the Eagles to pick the 2014 World Cup ticket.
He said: “We are hoping to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
“We are praying that both the Nigeria Football Federation and the Eagles, led by their coach, Stephen Keshi, will do all they can to ensure Nigeria
qualifies for the event and also break the African jinx by getting to the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil this time around and from there anything can happen.”
The former Minister, however, threw his weight behind the Eagles Coach and also gave him an excellent mark for transforming the team to
African Champions and emerging football world power.
He said: “I happened to be one of those people that canvassed for Stephen Keshi
to get this job.
“I have always been against the hiring of an expatriate coach to handle our national team.
“So I am happy that Keshi has not disappointed me and soccer loving Nigerians so far.
“Earlier this year, precisely on February 10 this year, he led the Super Eagles to beat Burkina Faso 1-0 to win the 2013 Edition of the Africa Nations Cup in South Africa.
“He led the team to achieve this 19 years after Nigeria won her second trophy in the competition.
“Only last Saturday, he also led the home-based Super Eagles to qualify for the very first time for the Africa Nations Championship.
“So what are we saying?
“Keshi has fulfilled his high rating and he and his team can only get better.”