Failure to make Samson Siasia’s squad against Argentina will bring out the best in out-of-favour Osaze Odemwingie. That is the position of former Abia state governor Orji Uzor Kalu.

Kalu spoke against the backdrop of calls by a cross section of fans on Siasia to recall the five-star West Bromwich Albion performer to the Eagles against the Argies in this Weekend’s Abuja friendly.

He said,”Osaze no doubt is the man of the moment. He is everybody’s favourite. But to whom much is given, much is expected. Siasia loves him like a son. And when a beloved son errs, a good father does not spare the rod.

This sanction is what Osaze needs to prepare him for greater roles in the senior national team.”

The Pillar of Sports likened the present situation to what befell Stephen Keshi in 1985 and Siasia in 1990.According to him, both men were led to stardom by corrective justice.

“Keshi was axed by Christopher ‘Ajillo’ Udemezue and that decisionsent him to Stella, Abidjan from where he moved to Belgium to prepare the way for compatriots.

Clemens Westerhof made sure Siasia missed what would have been his first Nations Cup, Algiers ’90, for not reporting early to camp. At the end, Keshi and Siasia turned a new leaf and today are household names,”he explained.

Kalu opined that Osaze would rise to become the next captain of the Super Eagles after Joseph Yobo.
“Osaze is a patriot. This is his tenth year as an Eagle.

He only needs to complain less about managers. As a senior player, he could walk up to the coach to make his point. Better still, he should confide in Austine Okocha and Victor Ikpeba, both are technical committee members. They also have listening ears.”