By Kate Obodo
FOLLOWING the prevailing call on former Super Eagles skipper Austin Okocha to quit retirement and lace his boot for Nigeria again at the 2010 World Cup billed for South Africa, former Enugu State Commissioner for Sports Honourable Okezie Nwanjoku believes the inclusion of Okocha will help Nigeria achieve her ambition at the global event.
Nwanjoku lauded ex-International Adokie Amiesimaka for making the call, stressing that the call is in the interest of the nation. Few weeks ago Amiesimaka urged the NFF and the presidency to persuade the former Bolton Wanderers captain to come out of retirement should Nigeria qualify for the World Cup.
According to him, Chelsea player Mikel Obi and others have found Okocha’s shoes uncomfortable, stating that Nigeria needs the services of a player who can hold the ball, distribute it and even go for goal. He added that Obi has failed on so many occasions and does not have what it takes to pull through.
Hon. Okezie says it was a good idea owing to the fact that there are loopholes in the midfield. He was convinced that the present midfielders in the team are not creative like Okocha who in his days was a maestro and play maker. He also believes that coach Shaibu Amodu still lacks a creative midfielder in the mold of Okocha.
In a telephone chat with Saturday Vanguard Okezie said with the loopholes in the midfield that it would be delightful if the maestro comes back and occupy his position, especially for the sake of the World Cup billed for South Africa.
“What Adokie is saying is not unusual, I mean there is no gain saying that Okocha is a good player, during his era in the national team, he did a very good job, likewise in Europe where he entertained for over a decade.
“If Okocha wants to come back and his fit to play for Nigeria again I don’t see any thing wrong with it . In fact, I support his coming back .Because the present midfielders lack skills and creativity like Okocha.
And if it requires him coming out of retirement, then so be it. After all in 1994 World Cup Roger Milla was made to come back to save his country and he surprised everybody with his elegant play and goals,†he said.
