This is contrary to calls from Nigerian football faithfuls for the inclusion of Iheanacho, the 17-year-old prodigy who was the most valuable player at the last FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, to the Super Eagles.
And also Martins, who has been scoring goals for his club in the Major League Soccer, MLS, in the US.
While speaking on Monday, 22 September, 2014, Keshi, who is presently out of contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, says he has no plan of inviting Martins and Iheanacho for Eagles' 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sudan next month.
"Iheanacho hasn't been playing in the premier league and it simply tells you that Manchester City wants him to get more experience.
"He is not part of the team (City) at the moment and he has to get more experience and maybe see if he has what it takes to be there," said Keshi.
Commenting on Martins, Keshi stated that the desire of the former Newcastle of England's player to return to the Super Eagles is admirable, but not possible because the former Inter Milan striker has got to give a chance to the younger players.
"For Obafemi Martins, it's good to indicate interest to play for his country, as a former player of course.
"But we have other players out there in his position, younger players. So we have to give younger players a chance and the opportunity to grow," Keshi stated.
Nigeria would need to defeat Sudan in a double header next month to stand a chance of qualifying for the 2015 AFCON holding in Morocco.
After recording a defeat against Congo and a draw against South Africa in its two matches on 6 and 10 September respectively, The Super Eagles are currently placed third in its group behind Congo and South Africa.
We Love Seeing Your Comments!
Get Socialized SHEAR! For More Updates Add Up BBM:2778D3B9, FOLLOW ON TWITTER -----» @antwowfisher
Post a Comment
DROP YOUR COMMENT