Stakeholders Caution Eagles On World Cup Selection

Swimmers struggling for honours during a national event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State recently. Photo: Chris Monyanaga

Football stakeholders in
Enugu have cautioned against undue pressure on the Super Eagles technical crew in the selection of players for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Some of the stakeholder who spoke to newsmen said that people should not manipulate the technical crew or impose any player on them.
A director in the Enugu State Ministry of Sports, Mr Edwin Eze, said the call was vital because football neophytes were trying to put pressure on the technical crew and the football governing body.
“This demand is being unleashed on the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and the World Cup team crew.
“The NFA is determined to ensure that the team performed well at the Mundial but some people are trying to force players on the technical team.
“First, we should understand that the players are selected based on the coaches discretion.
“Beside, Nigeria is blessed with players around the globe but not all would represent us at World Cup.
“I believe Keshi will do well if he is given a free hand with the World Cup players’ selection,’’ Eze said.
The sports director said that players like Mikel Obi, Godfrey Oboabona, Ramon Azeez and Ejike Uzoenyi to mention but few should not be over looked at the final screening.
In his reaction, a former Rangers player, Nwabueze Nwankwo, said it was the technical team’s final list that will prevail.
“As a patriotic Nigerian, I nurse the hope of the Super Eagles winning at the summer World Cup but let’s not forget that experience matters.
“Well, the coach knows this because he has played at that level and has coached different national teams,’’ Nwankwo said.
Another Rangers former player, Dominic Nwobodo, also said that the call for the recall of the experienced players was okay.
“ It will bring out the best in the new players. Energetic and experienced players should be invited for the World Cup,’’ he said.