Ikechukwu Uche
Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has made a passionate plea to Stephen Keshi for the inclusion of Ikechukwu Uche in the Super Eagles' World Cup provisional squad.
The ex-governor, who spoke from London through his Special Adviser Kunle Oyewumi said, "as a passionate football fan, I appeal to my good friend Keshi, to have a change of mind and include Uche in his World Cup team.The boy should be forgiven since he is now remorseful."
However, Kalu heaped praise on the Eagles manager for recalling Joseph Yobo and Osaze Odemwingie; he then prayed that Uche would also get a reprieve.
“Football is a competitive game,we should not allow personal interest to override national aspirations. I salute Keshi for bringing back Yobo and Osaze. I wish he could extend same to Uche,” Kalu added.
Uche, whose exclusion from the Super Eagles was blamed on tactical flaws, has been instrumental for Villarreal this season.
The 30-year-old forward has insisted that there is no love lost between him and the big boss - Keshi.
Meanwhile, here is the Super Eagles' World Cup provisional list as released by Keshi:
GOALKEEPERS: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim, Daniel Akpeyi
DEFENDERS: Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Joseph Yobo, Kunle Odunlami, Efe Ambrose
MIDFIELDERS: John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Joel Obi, Nosa Igiebor, Michael Uchebo, Ejike Uzoenyi, Sunday Mba, Reuben Gabriel
FORWARDS: Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Obinna Nsofor, Osaze Odemwingie, Babatunde Michael, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor, Nnamdi Oduamadi.