Keshi wrong over Martins – Lawal

Obafemi Martins

Versatile former international Garba Lawal has disagreed with Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi’s decision to exclude Seattle Sounders new signing Obafemi Martins from his programme for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and the FIFA Confederations Cup.

The  veteran striker was anonymous during the March 23 Group F World Cup qualifying game against the Harambee Stars of Kenya in Calabar, forcing Keshi, who named a 30-man squad for the national team’s matches between June and July, to deny him a place in the squad.

However, Atlanta ’96 Olympic gold medallist Lawal insists the Eagles manager has made a mistake leaving his former teammate in the national team out  in the cold, saying his experience will be vital to the team during the qualifiers.

“The World Cup qualifiers have reached  crucial stages and we need the services of  our experienced players,” Lawal, who represented Nigeria at the France ’98 and Korea/Japan 2002 World Cups, told our correspondent on the telephone during the week.

“Martins is one of such players because the remaining matches are not going to be easy for us.

“I don’t know why Keshi dropped him. But if the decision was taken because of Martins’ performance against Kenya, I disagree.

“The whole team didn’t play well in the match. Martins didn’t get scoring chances. We know what he’s capable of  doing when presented with scoring opportunities.

“Many people forget we always find it difficult beating the Kenyans. They have always given us problems and I was not surprised by the result of the first leg match in Calabar.

“Keshi should have included Martins  in his programme for other matches. Dropping him from the team after one game will kill his morale and deny the country his services.”

The well-travelled ex-midfielder urged the Eagles to put behind them the Africa Cup of Nations triumph   and focus on World Cup qualification.

“I hope the attitude of the players will change,” the 38-year-old, who began his professional career with Tunisian club Esperance, said.

“They went partying after winning the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa and this affected their performance against Kenya.

“They should forget about the win and concentrate on the task ahead of them.

“I believe we’ll qualify for the World Cup, and I believe in Keshi and his assistants. They have proved themselves and we should support them.”

The former Holland-based player appealed to Keshi to consider recalling West Brom striker Osaze Odemwingie and  Dynamo Kyiv defender Taye Taiwo to the team.

He  said, ”Osaze is needed because of his experience. We need his services and that of other players at this crucial period. Some of the players we are relying on could be injured and we should have good players to  replace them.”