Stoke City and Super Eagles striker, Osaze Odemwingie, could miss out on a place in the Nigeria starting line-up after coach Stephen Keshi said he did not play to instructions when he was introduced in the second half against Iran.
Odemwingie replaced Ramon Azeez in the 69th minute of the game, earning his 62nd cap, but could not help Nigeria break down a resolute Iranian defence as the game finished 0-0.
The 31-year-old brought urgency and creativity to the Eagles attack on Monday, but Keshi said the striker defied his instructions even though he was playing an unfamiliar role.
Keshi’s comments would make a return to the starting line-up unlikely for Odemwingie in Nigeria’s next group game against Asmir Begovic’s Bosnia on Saturday.
The attacker only returned to the international fold this year after a two-year absence after impressive end of season form for the Potters upon arriving from Cardiff City in January.
Almeria midfielder, Ramon Azeez, could also be axed from the starting XI after he won his third cap against Iran on Monday.
His most likely replacement will be Belgium-based Michael Uchebo, who was preferred to Azeez in the country’s warm-up games leading up to Brazil 2014.
Skipper Joseph Yobo is expected to keep his place in the first team after Turkey-based defender, Godfrey Oboabona, was ruled out of Saturday’s cracker as a result of a foot injury he suffered against Iran.
Osaze, Azeez face Keshi’s anger
