Eagles were too desperate –Keshi

Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Keshi
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Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has knocked his players for their performance against Greece in a pre-World Cup friendly played in Philadelphia, USA on Tuesday. The Super Eagles manager said the team did not play to the pre-planned style in the match that ended goalless.

Keshi who spoke at the post-match conference attributed their level of performance to their desperation to impress and justify their inclusion in the World Cup squad.

He said, “It’s a game we should have won easily but here we are not playing to our style. We play possession football and press the opposition to give up but we didn’t do that till towards the end of the game. But it’s part of the learning curve and we will get there before the World Cup starts.”

The former Eagles captain told the media that all the players selected were desperate to impress with the game. Keshi who was very specific on returnee Osaze Odemwingie said the player was eager to give what he thinks he had not given during his absence in the last two years and in the process made mistakes.

“Osaze is one of our versatile players who can play anywhere in the forward line and he tried to give his all against Greece but it was simply not his day. Even when I shifted him to the right wing, he kept pushing. But as a footballer I knew he had to rest and give his best at the World Cup,” he said.

He rated another returnee, Joseph Yobo, as sharp and ready to go.

“Of course, that’s why he is the leader of the team,” Keshi said.

And looking ahead of the game against USA on Saturday, Keshi said he expects a better game from the Eagles.

“With Jurgen Klinsmann in charge, we expect a little bit of German mentality but we have a Nigerian antidote and we hope to see a better game.”

Eagles left for Jacksonville, Florida on Wednesday afternoon.

Odemwingie on his part said he missed the team and now desperate to make quality contribution before retiring. The Stoke City striker also spoke after the match against Greece.

“Luckily, I have been picked to go and do battle for the nation in Brazil and I can assure you that I will give my all to the team. The talent is there, the stars are here and we work as a family. Yes, I have been away but now that I’m back I want to give my all and ensure that we do well in Brazil,” Osaze said.