Taribo wants Odemwingie back in Super Eagles

Former Nigeria defender Taribo West has urged the current national team head coach Stephen Keshi to consider Cardiff City forward Peter Odemwingie for the 2014 FIFA World Cup squad.

Odemwingie has been exiled after a fall out with Keshi over his exclusion from the final 2013 African Cup of Nations squad.

West believes that the Super Eagles mentor needs to see a large pool of players before selecting his final squad for Brazil.

'I believe Osaze is still good, and his experience will help us in Brazil,' the former centre-back told Punch. 'But Keshi is in charge and we must respect his decision.

'We should give as many players as possible the opportunity to prove themselves. If the old players are good enough, they should be picked for the World Cup. If they have nothing to offer, they should not make the squad.

'I like the way Keshi has been giving players the opportunity to prove themselves in the national team and I want him to throw the World Cup camp open for those who have not been given a chance to play for the country for some time.

'Clemens Westerhof did that before selecting his squad for the 1994 World Cup in the US. I was there but I couldn't make the squad. Mike Emenalo came and made it.

'(Nigeria 1980 Africa Cup winner) Godwin Odiye, Wole Odegbami and Amaechi Otiji were among the players that came to the camp.

'He (Keshi) should be allowed to select those he feels will deliver at the World Cup.'

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