The Head Coach of Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, has disclosed that he can do without any player who he did not include in the provisional list of players for the 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Keshi made this statement on Sunday in an interview in reaction to the outcries that followed his choice of 32 players.
The list was for the final phase of camping in Faro, Portugal to prepare for the competition which kicks off January 19 in South Africa.
In his opinion, his exclusion of stars like Taye Taiwo and Osaze Odemwingie was not unintentional, but for the benefit of the country.
“We don’t need Osaze, that’s all.
“He is not a bad player and there is nothing personal about it. It is just that at this point in time, there were some players who were not called and we don’t have anything against them,” he said.
Keshi also wondered why there wasn’t any reaction to his excluding Obafemi Martins. He disclosed that he left him out because he did not live up to the expectation when he was given the chance to prove himself in the new Super Eagles.
The former Mali and Togo tactician said that he was more comfortable with players he was familiar with.
“These players are not the only ones playing; this is what we want for now.
“All we want for now from Nigerians is to support and pray for the players that have been picked,” Keshi said.