Cardiff City striker, Osaze Odemwingie, has stated his desire to represent Nigeria at the Fifa World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
The former West Brom striker, who has 55 caps for Nigeria was last involved with the national team about a year ago and has since been overlooked by coach Stephen Keshi.
Odemwingie, who made a deadline day move from West Brom to Cardiff City in the summer, wants to join the likes of Gary Medel and Kim Bo-Kyung, whose countries, Chile and South Korea respectively, have both qualified to appear in Brazil.
“I was in the Nigeria squad for the last World Cup finals in South Africa and I would love the chance to go again,” Odemwengie told Welsh portal, WalesOnline.
Odemwingie believes if he has a massive season for Cardiff City, then he is in with a shout to be recalled by Nigeria to fight for a shirt in the team.
“Why not? Certainly, I believe I have a chance and when it comes I would be delighted,” he said after Cardiff drew 2-2 with Manchester United last weekend.
“I haven’t been selected lately because the coach is making changes to the squad.
“It affected all the older players so the situation wasn’t friendly, but he has insisted that any player who is active and eligible will have a chance to play at the World Cup so we will see.
“Playing for my country in Brazil would mean so much to me. Brazil is even more popular football-wise so it will be great if it happens.”
Nigeria beat Ethiopia 4-1 on aggregate to qualify for the football fiesta for the fifth time in their history and Odemwingie feels it will take a lot of hard work if he is going to get into the squad.
“Playing in the Premier League can only help me,” Odemwingie stated. “No player will be in the squad unless they do well for their various clubs.
Odemwingie made his Nigeria debut in 2002 and has represented Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
He was also a silver medallist at the Beijing 2008 Olympics with the Under-23 Olympic team who lost to Argentina in the gold medal match.
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