Recall Osaze now, Owolabi tells Keshi

Felix Owolabi, a member of Nigeria’s 1980 Nations Cup winning team, has called on Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, to recall striker Osaze Odewingie into his squad for South Africa 2013. The ex-Green Eagles left winger told theNews Agency of Nigeria in Ibadan that it was not too late for the Super Eagles coach to recall the West Brom goal poacher if Nigeria must make a mark at the event.

“Much as the issue of players selection is the exclusive right of the coach, I think Keshi should bend backwards to include Osaze in his team for the Nations Cup in South Africa,

“At the same time, it would be counter productive to keep a quality, experienced and seasoned player who could make a turn around when the chips are down,” he said.

The former Shooting Stars left winger, who urged Keshi to give every player equal opportunity, called on the coach to play a fatherly role by reconciling with Odemwingie before it was too late to do so.

“I am not saying that with Osaze, Eagles will win the cup, neither am I saying without him Nigeria will win, but the two of them should dialogue in the interest of the nation,” Owolabi said.

Owolabi lashed out at Odemwingie for overheating the controversy on the pages of the newspapers while also asking Keshi to develop a relationship with the player who could be important to his match plan.

Punch Nigeria