Chris Maduewesi
Member
Former Super Eagles defender Ajibade Babalade has called on Ikechukwu Uche to justify his inclusion in the Nigerian squad to play the forthcoming 2015 African Nations Cup qualifiers.
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi succumbed to mounting pressure to have IK Uche in his team, inviting the Villarreal striker back to the national team, after leaving him out for over a year.
Uche is one of Nigeria's prolific strikers in front of goal,and very lethal in attack for the Super Eagles especially in qualifying matches.
“Many people clamoured for Uche’s invitation to the national team and Keshi has my 100 per cent support for inviting him,” Ajibade told The Punch.
“But Uche is good striker, and it’s unfortunate he was not considered for a place in the World Cup squad.
“Keshi gave his reason for not inviting him and we should respect his decision.
“There’s no way he could have taken every good player to the World Cup.
“Maybe the coach feels Uche will help the team in the qualifiers and decided to invite him.
“Uche is a professional player and he knows what is at stake. He should do his best for the team.
“He must prove Keshi wrong by scoring goals to enable the team to get the result that will take us to Morocco.
“He must know that he’s not playing for Keshi but for the country.
With Nigeria facing a difficult trip to Port Noire to play Congo for the all important qualifier, Keshi needs the best players at his disposal, as the Super Eagles cannot afford any thing other than a victory.
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi succumbed to mounting pressure to have IK Uche in his team, inviting the Villarreal striker back to the national team, after leaving him out for over a year.
Uche is one of Nigeria's prolific strikers in front of goal,and very lethal in attack for the Super Eagles especially in qualifying matches.
“Many people clamoured for Uche’s invitation to the national team and Keshi has my 100 per cent support for inviting him,” Ajibade told The Punch.
“But Uche is good striker, and it’s unfortunate he was not considered for a place in the World Cup squad.
“Keshi gave his reason for not inviting him and we should respect his decision.
“There’s no way he could have taken every good player to the World Cup.
“Maybe the coach feels Uche will help the team in the qualifiers and decided to invite him.
“Uche is a professional player and he knows what is at stake. He should do his best for the team.
“He must prove Keshi wrong by scoring goals to enable the team to get the result that will take us to Morocco.
“He must know that he’s not playing for Keshi but for the country.
With Nigeria facing a difficult trip to Port Noire to play Congo for the all important qualifier, Keshi needs the best players at his disposal, as the Super Eagles cannot afford any thing other than a victory.