Eagles Will Be Stronger With Osaze – Bazuaye

Baldwin Bazuaye has given his backing to Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi’s plan to recall in-form Stoke City forward Osaze Odemwingie to the Super Eagles ahead of the summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Algiers ’90 Africa Cup of Nations silver medallist believes the Eagles can make an impact in the football’s showpiece tournament with Osaze included in Nigeria’s squad.
Osaze has spent over a year in the international wilderness after his Twitter rant against Keshi after the former Nigeria captain left him out of his 2013 Africa Cup of Nations squad.
Keshi also overlooked the veteran striker for the World Cup qualifiers, after guiding the Eagles to their third African title in South Africa.
However, the pair have confirmed they have patched up their differences, with Keshi hinting that he will give Osaze a chance to fight for his place in his World Cup squad after the player apologised to him.
And former Nigeria winger Bazuaye, who is delighted by the development, insists Keshi will be able to field a squad ready to challenge for the World Cup title with Osaze on his roster.
“I think Osaze will emerge as one of our best players in Brazil because he is hungry for success,” the China ’85 FIFA Under-17 World Cup winner told our correspondent on the telephone during the week.
“I believe he has learned his lesson after being denied invitation to the national team for over a year.
“He would have been in the squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations if he hadn’t misbehaved.
“I’m happy that he has apologised and I commend Keshi for forgiving him. I’m confident Osaze will make the World Cup squad.
“We need his experience. His fighting spirit and self-belief will help bring out the best in the younger players, particularly the strikers.
“He’s a team player and he will also guide the midfielders and defenders. With Osaze’s return, there will be competition among our attackers – and that will enable us to bring the best out of them.
“Osaze is not a bad person. Those of us who are really close to him know that he’s a good boy.”
But Bazuaye said Keshi should be allowed to decide on the players he needs for the World Cup, saying his decision should be respected.
“I’m not against those clamouring for Osaze and (Ikechukwu) Uche to be named our World Cup squad but we shouldn’t force them on the coach,” the former Bendel Insurance coach said.
“If Keshi feels they are good enough for the World Cup, he will include them on his list.
“It’s not the business of the Nigeria Football Federation or the media to determine those who will go to Brazil.
“We have employed Keshi to give us a team for the World Cup and we should allow him select the players he wants.”
The former Greece-based player tipped the Eagles to make “a big impact” in Brazil, maintaining the team will “rise to the challenge”.
He said, “The Eagles will go far in the tournament. Keshi has proved he is a good coach by winning the Africa Cup of Nations and winning a World Cup for us.