Oliha supports Keshi on Osaze, Martins

[Folami David]

Tunisia '94 Africa Cup of Nations winner Thompson Oliha has backed Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi's decision to throw open the team's door to the out-of- favour trio of Osaze Odemwingie, Obafemi Martins and Taye Taiwo who he ignored in his selection for the South Africa 2013 edition won by Nigeria.
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Keshi, in Lagos last Saturday, said he had not slammed the door shut on the trio as well as the likes of Everton's Victor Anichebe, on-loan Orduspor's Yussuf Ayila and Lokomotiv Moscow's Obinna Nsofor.
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He said, "Unless they don't want to play for Nigeria any more, otherwise they have a place in the team. I have a list of 50 players that we are working with.
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On the list are Osaze, Martins, Anichebe and many others. At every stage we need them they will join us. We will use every good player to make the team better unless the player does not want to play for Nigeria. The door is still very wide open."
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Oliha, who was Keshi's teammate for many years helping Nigeria win bronze at Senegal '92, gold at Tunisia '94 and an inspiring performance at the USA '94 World Cup, said the experience of the players would prove vital in picking a ticket to the Brazil 2014 World Cup.
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"Keshi must have his reason for dropping them but I believe they are still relevant to the team," the Algiers '90 Africa Cup of Nations silver medallist said.
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"I disagree that the players are old or are spent forces. We need them for the World Cup qualifiers and the tournament proper.
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"Keshi should not listen to what some people are saying about the players because they are still very good. He should invite them if they have decided to change and obey camp rules.
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"But their inclusion in the team should not be automatic. They must show hunger and determination to win. They must respect the national jersey."