Oliha backs Keshi on Osaze, Martins

Tunisia ’94  Africa Cup of Nations winner Thompson Oliha has backed Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi’s  decision to throw open the team’s door to the out-of-favour trio of Osaze  Odemwingie, Obafemi Martins and Taye Taiwo who he ignored in his selection for the South Africa 2013 edition  won by Nigeria.

Keshi, in Lagos last Saturday, said he had not slammed the door shut on the trio as well as the likes of Everton’s Victor Anichebe, on-loan Orduspor’s Yussuf   Ayila and Lokomotiv Moscow’s  Obinna Nsofor.

He said, “Unless they don’t want to play for Nigeria any more, otherwise they have a place in the team. I have a list of 50 players that we are working with. On the list are Osaze, Martins,  Anichebe and many others. At every stage we need them they will join us. We will use every good player to make the team better unless the player does not want to play for Nigeria. The door is still very wide open.”

Oliha, who was Keshi’s teammate for many years helping Nigeria win bronze at Senegal ’92, gold at Tunisia ’94 and an inspiring performance at the USA ’94 World Cup, said the experience of the  players would  prove vital in picking a ticket to the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

“Keshi must have his reason for dropping them but I believe they are still relevant to the team,” the Algiers ’90 Africa Cup of Nations silver medallist said.

“I disagree that the players are old or are spent forces. We need them for the World Cup qualifiers and the tournament proper.

“Keshi should not listen to what some people are saying about the players because they are still very good. He should invite them if they have decided to change and obey camp rules.

“But their inclusion in the team should not be automatic. They must show hunger and determination to win. They must respect the national jersey.”

He urged the Eagles manager to turn his back on any undisciplined player, saying only those ready to abide by the rules deserve to wear the national colours.

The former Africa Sport and Antalyaspor midfield dynamo praised the Eagles for winning the South Africa 2013 trophy.

Oliha, whose playing career was shortened by  a knee injury, pleaded for Keshi to be given time to build a stronger team for the country.

The ex-iwuanyanwu Nationale star said, “We shouldn’t put him under pressure. Alex Ferguson  is winning trophies for Manchester United because he has been there for a long time and I believe   Keshi  deserves the same opportunity.”

He commended the Federal Government for rewarding the team after winning the continental title, saying it would encourage them to give their best in subsequent tournaments.

However, the former Bendel Insurance ace, who won the African Cup Winners with Africa Sport in 1992, appealed to the government to develop the domestic league to prevent players from exporting their talents to lowly leagues in Asia and Eastern Europe.