Stoke City striker Osaze Odemwingie
could again be shut out from Nigeria first team after coach Stephen Keshi said
he did not play to instructions when he was introduced in the second half
against Iran.
Osaze brought some urgency and
creativity to the Eagles attack on Monday, but Keshi said the striker defied
his instructions even though he was playing an unfamiliar role.
Almeria midfielder Ramon Azeez could
also be axed from the starting XI after he won his third cap against Iran on
Monday.
His most likely replacement will be
Belgium-based Michael Uchebo, who was preferred to Azeez in the country’s
warm-up games leading up to Brazil 2014.
Skipper Joseph Yobo is expected to
keep his place in the first team after Turkey-based defender Godfrey Oboabona
was ruled out of Saturday’s cracker as a result of a foot injury he suffered
against Iran.
Yobo said that reaching a century of
international caps would be an added bonus for him as he was already fulfilled
to be at his third World Cup.
“I’m just happy that I made it here
because towards the end of the season I got injured and it was difficult for
me,” he revealed.
“Any other personal achievement will
be great and I will enjoy it.”