Keshi must do a rethink on Osaze, others – Umeh

First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Chief Mike Umeh has blamed Super Eagles chief coach, Stephen Keshi for the team’s poor showing at the Confederations Cup in Brazil.

Umeh told Sports Vanguard that  the absence of “big boys” in the team caused their defeats to Uruguay and and Spain.

“We played well but our attack failed us. Keshi need to get stronger boys and we have them. I don’t know why he has refused to bring in Osaze,” Umeh said, with a tinge of frustration in his voice.

The NFF chieftain said the football house has always given Keshi a free hand.

“Yes, we have always given him freedom to operate, but he must work closely with the technical committee.”

Chief Umeh said there was nothing bad in Keshi building a squad for the future but that must be done gradually.

“It is clear he took a young squad to the Confederations Cup. The young players, particularly the home  based players need to be introduced gradually.

They need to be polished. You saw how Mikel played. He played very well because he is a big boy who was playing among his contemporaries.

He has played in the biggest league and is experienced like the Spanish and Uruguayan players. That is why Keshi must do a rethink on the likes of Osaze and other experienced Nigerian players.”