Returnee Uche Can Be Super Eagles' Secret Weapon

9 years ago

Returnee Uche Can Be Super Eagles' Secret Weapon

Upon reinstatement by presidential fiat, Stephen Keshi’s first action was to recall Ikechukwu Uche to the Nigeria squad.
Considering that the controversial exclusion of the Villarreal man was one of the most debated of the Big Boss’ decisions, it came as a bit of a shock.
Of course, Uche is fully deserving. That is not the point. What is interesting is the timing. Was a recall for Uche always on the agenda, or are there more clandestine workings beneath the surface?
The directive for Keshi’s return was issued following a crisis meeting between warring factions of the NFF and the Presidency.

As with all negotiations, there are bound to be compromises. Could it be that this is one of them, that Keshi has finally been prevailed upon by the NFF, who have long been vocal with their incredulity at his leftfield selections?
One can be forgiven for being cynical about this sudden volte-face; Uche is a topic Keshi went so far as to bar journalists from bringing up in October. He accused pressmen of seeking to sow discord and unrest in the team with their constant questions about the 30-year-old.

“So, why do you guys want to tear this team apart?” he hissed at reporters. “Please let it be the end today. Don’t ask me about Uche. Please nobody should ask me about Uche again.
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“This is the last time I will speak about Ike Uche. And I do not want anybody to ask me about Ike Uche again.”
From this to buddies in a month? Seems a little far-fetched.
Keshi | A final opportunity to end his reign on a positive note?
That said, we are obliged to consider the opposite angle, which is that the former Afcon-winning captain has demonstrated a rare streak of practicality in selecting Uche again. The Super Eagles are in a precarious situation: they need to win, and they need goals to do it. When you consider that Sudan at home in October was the first time since June 2013 that Nigeria had scored three goals in a senior international, you can understand him calling in the cavalry.
It is worth remembering that Nigeria progressed to the last Afcon largely on the strength of Uche’s goals. Indeed, Uche’s contributions to the Super Eagles at actual tournaments have been largely forgettable; it is in qualifiers he has shown his worth.
So it is only logical that the coaching crew has sought the safety of the familiar. International sides have much less time to gel for friendlies and qualifying matches, and the former Getafe man’s aptitude for poaching and exploiting gaps is perfect when the opposition defence is not so cohesive.