Bring Back Our Uche—Kalu Begs Keshi

Out of favour Eagles' striker Ikechukwu Uche yesterday received a tremendous boost as former Abia state governor Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu made a passionate plea for his inclusion in Stephen Keshi's squad.

Kalu, 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."

The ex-governor praised the Eagles manager for recalling the duo of Joseph Yobo and Osaze Odemwingie,and 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 has been in splendid season for Villarreal and many fans are shocked that he was unable to get Keshi's nod. The young man whose exclusion was blamed on tactical flaws says there is no love lost between him and the Big Boss.

Another World Cup miss will be an evergreen pain for Uche whose last game for the Eagles was in February 2013.He had also missed the South Africa 2010 Mundial after leading the goals chart in the qualifiers due to injury.

Elder brother Kalu made up for the miss as he scored two goals for the country,leaving something for family and country to keep.