THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that the much-publicised mis-understanding between Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Samson Siasia and one of his star players, Osaze Odemwingie has been laid to rest.
NFF disclosed this to Tribunesports through its spokesman, Ademola Olajire yesterday.
The frosty relationship between former World Cup star Siasia and ace winger Odemwingie was brought to the front pages of the international press in May, when the former announced that one of his key actors had walked out on the cast and crew without stating his destination.
Osaze missed the top grade international friendly against Argentina in Abuja on the first day of June as a result and was also overlooked for the 2012 African Nations Cup qualifier away to Ethiopia on June 5.
But the NFF said on Monday that the mis-understanding is now history and the fleet-footed forward can look forward to a recall ahead of another top grade international friendly, against the Black Stars of Ghana in London next month.
“It’s now history; Siasia and Osaze have settled their little tiff and we are happy about that. Nigeria can now call on her very best legs in subsequent games without any exception”, stated chairman of NFF Technical Committee, Barrister Chris Green.
A meeting initiated by NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari took place in London some weeks ago and on Friday, Siasia, who scored a wonder goal for Nigeria against Argentina at the 1994 FIFA World Cup and then became the first Coach to lead Nigeria to beat Argentina at senior level, in a 4-1 friendly thrashing in Abuja last month, scored another important ‘goal’. He announced that he has forgiven the striker and that he should come back to the fold and sin no more.
“No problems again, we are now on the same page and things can move ahead in the best interest of Nigerian football. I like to say here that Osaze is one player I like very much due to his enthusiasm and total commitment to the cause on-field. But, to reach higher heights as a great player and person, it is also important to observe rules and regulations and respect team-mates and other persons off-field.
“Everything is now under control and Osaze is back in the squad”, said Siasia.
The Super Eagles’ coach, who has been holidaying in the United States of America, is expected back in Nigeria on Sunday to kick-start his programmes for the high-profile friendly against Ghana in London on August 9 and the crucial 2012 Nations Cup qualifier away to Madagascar on September 3.
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