Keshi has lost it – Victor Ikpeba

The Super Eagles, reigning African champions, could miss out on defending their title in Morocco if they fail to win both matches after starting on a wrong footing last month. The former African player of the year has criticized the Big Boss for his selection ahead of the crunch qualifiers against Sudan this month. Former Nigeria forward Victor Ikpeba has lashed out at coach Stephen Keshi over his decision to call up ‘rookies’ for the must-win pair of 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan this month. Nigeria lost 3-2 to Congo in Calabar before pulling a listless goalless draw in Cape Town against South Africa and sit third on the table with a single point out of a possible six.

As part of his 24-man squad for the double-header against Sudan, Keshi called up Aaron Samuel of Guangzhou R&F in China, Emmanuel Sunday on SV ScholzGrodig, Austria, Anyora Ugonna of Haugesund FC, Norway and Hope Akpan of Reading FC, England. The 52-year-old has ignored more experienced campaigners Ikechukwu Uche of Villareal, Obafemi Martins of Seattle Sounders and new kid on the block Kelechi Iheanacho of Manchester City.  “He has placed us on the hard corner of qualification for the Nations Cup in Morocco. While Nigerians are gritting about their chances, he has invited rookies for the must win matches against Sudan. Keshi needs to ask himself questions. He should be a critic unto himself.

The fate of the coach who led Nigeria to their third African title in 2013 will largely be determined by his side's performance over the two legs with Sudan as the new Nigeria Football Federation board takes charge.  Nigeria will travel to Khartoum to play the first leg on October 11 before returning to Abuja for their first match there since 2011 on October 15.