The likes of Osaze Odemwingie, Obafemi Martins, Taye Taiwo, Kalu Uche were not considered for the tournament despite having a combined total of 179 caps between them.
But Keshi explained that he was working on a long term project and needed to give opportunities to younger players "It was difficult, very difficult but the thing is that you have to spread the opportunities to everyone.
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"The younger kids here are desperate. They are on fire.
"I'm not saying the experienced ones don't have the same, but we are not here just for this Nations Cup, but building for the next five years and for the 2014 World Cup."
Keshi went to great lengths to insist that the excluded players remain part of the team. "They are still part of this team, and we still have the qualifiers in March and they can be involved."




Your comments on this story...
Do fans play football? Yes, passively.
In the next ten days we will be discussing excuses I am sure....
For South Africans, just cool down and watch football, but certainly Zambia is not going to win this one...
Former zambia coach boss , claud leroy resigns from congo national team. Fears of being dismantled by Ghana. Believe it or not.
I say it's good to look ahead to the main one, 2014 Brazil hosted world cup. It shows that our administrators are begining to think progressively and perhaps plan accordingly.
So in leaving out your more experienced players for a tournament of this magnitude and moving in with neophytes who you actually intend to to mature in 2014 is somewhat. Especially when Keshi is emphatic that these d players are still relevant in his 2014 plans. Knowing that they will have gotten to the end of their ropes by then.
My advise for Keshi is to manage his vision properly and set realistic targets that won't put him in unnecessary pressures. Setting the Afcon cup as target given what he has I believe is unrealistic. Unbelievably too is Keshi quoted for saying this present crop of Eagles are greater than the 94 team. I think going the Yobo way of taking the game one at a time is more like it. Be confident that you've got a good team though not yet matured but ready enough to compete and so you are there to take your chances and hopefully win. Keshi, I dey your side. Nothing do you, Boss.
Its sometimes impossible to make everyone happy! #Fact! Lets just hope its for the best.
KEEP CALM & SUPPORT #TEAM NIGERIA
....Oηє ℓσvє Nαιjα
this baby team can win teams. but i will be surprise if they rule africa cos it will be a big shame we could rule even with a baby team.
i think we ca do something. history will speak for us!!!
WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!
Slyman
I believe @ Commonsense said it best with this \"So in leaving out your more experienced players for a tournament of this magnitude and moving in with neophytes who you actually intend to to mature in 2014 is somewhat. Especially when Keshi is emphatic that these d players are still relevant in his 2014 plans. Knowing that they will have gotten to the end of their ropes by then.My advise for Keshi is to manage his vision properly and set realistic targets that won't put him in unnecessary pressures. Setting the Afcon cup as target given what he has I believe is unrealistic. \" Slyman
The tournament will help to build the team so they can challenge for the title in Morrocco 2015