Nigeria recently became one of the first teams to qualify for the World Cup 2014 from Africa after managing to come through their play-offs. Currently, they are the best team in Africa right now after having won the Cup of Nations trophy only a few months ago. As a result, the strength in depth of the squad is incredibly good. Even the likes of Peter Odemwingie, a Premier league star, could miss out on the place in the squad. Odemwingie recently made the move to Cardiff city after falling out with his previous employers West Brom.
The striker has stated that he would like to be on the plane to Brazil in order to play at the World Cup 2014. Odemwingie has not been part of the national team since the arrival of Stephen Keshi as the national team manager. However, he is one of the few Nigerians to have experienced World Cup football. If he travels to Brazil, then it would be his second World Cup. Odemwingie has stated that it was a great experience to be part of the team at the 2010 World Cup and he would be delighted to experience the same.
“I was in the Nigeria squad for the last World Cup finals in South Africa and I would love the chance to go again. I believe I have a chance and when it comes I would be delighted. I haven’t been selected lately because the coach is making changes to the squad and it affected all the older players so the situation wasn’t friendly. Playing for my country in Brazil would mean so much to me. No player will be in the squad unless they do well for their various clubs,” said Odemwingie.
Odemwingie has been a regular goalscorer in the Premier league, which should be enough to convince Keshi that he deserves a place in the squad.