THE RETURN OF STEPHEN KESHI HAS FILLED COLUMN INCHES, BUT IT IS THE STRIKER’S RECALL THAT COULD DELIVER EXCITEMENT WHERE IT REALLY MATTERS…

The return of Stephen Keshi has filled column inches, but it is the striker’s recall that could deliver excitement where it really matters…

 

FEATURE
By Solace Chukwu

Upon reinstatement by presidential fiat, Stephen Keshi’s first action was to recall Ikechukwu Uche to the Nigeria squad.

Considering that the controversial exclusion of the Villarreal man was one of the most debated of the Big Boss’ decisions, it came as a bit of a shock.

Of course, Uche is fully deserving. That is not the point. What is interesting is the timing. Was a recall for Uche always on the agenda, or are there more clandestine workings beneath the surface?

The directive for Keshi’s return was issued following a crisis meeting between warring factions of the NFF and the Presidency. As with all negotiations, there are bound to be compromises. Could it be that this is one of them, that Keshi has finally been prevailed upon by the NFF, who have long been vocal with their incredulity at his leftfield selections?

One can be forgiven for being cynical about this sudden volte-face; Uche is a topic Keshi went so far as to bar journalists from bringing up in October. He accused pressmen of seeking to sow discord and unrest in the team with their constant questions about the 30-year-old.

“So, why do you guys want to tear this team apart?” he hissed at reporters. “Please let it be the end today. Don’t ask me about Uche. Please nobody should ask me about Uche again.

“This is the last time I will speak about Ike Uche. And I do not want anybody to ask me about Ike Uche again.”

From this to buddies in a month? Seems a little far-fetched.

Keshi | A final opportunity to end his reign on a positive note?

That said, we are obliged to consider the opposite angle, which is that the former Afcon-winning captain has demonstrated a rare streak of practicality in selecting Uche again. The Super Eagles are in a precarious situation: they need to win, and they need goals to do it. When you consider that Sudan at home in October was the first time since June 2013 that Nigeria had scored three goals in a senior international, you can understand him calling in the cavalry.

It is worth remembering that Nigeria progressed to the last Afcon largely on the strength of Uche’s goals. Indeed, Uche’s contributions to the Super Eagles at actual tournaments have been largely forgettable; it is in qualifiers he has shown his worth.

So it is only logical that the coaching crew has sought the safety of the familiar. International sides have much less time to gel for friendlies and qualifying matches, and the former Getafe man’s aptitude for poaching and exploiting gaps is perfect when the opposition defence is not so cohesive.

So, could Uche be set to profit in the coming games? Well, Congo away presents a good opportunity. The Central Africans impressed in their opening two games, but have fallen away somewhat. There are doubts over their defence; Claude Le Roy is no novice when it comes to coaching solid defensive units, but there is a distinct lack of quality at the back.

The decision of 30-year-old Christopher Samba to make himself unavailable to the national team creates a leadership vacuum in defence. If the same looseness that enabled South Africa score twice in Pointe-Noire manifests again, Uche will be licking his lips. There is no better Nigerian striker at punishing opposition lapses in concentration.

Can Uche profit from Christopher Samba's absence from the Congolese defence?

South Africa are much better defensively; Eric Mathoho has been excellent, and Shakes Mashaba has welcomed Anele Ngcongca back into the squad after injury. They do however prefer to pick up players in front of them and could struggle against movement in-behind, which is a specialty for Uche.

So, while it is clear that the prodigal son of Nigerian football is a good match for the sort of opposition that awaits, one must also consider how he functions within the team. His last appearance under Keshi saw him appear out-of-sorts and unable to hold up the ball. He does not offer the lateral roaming and power of Emmanuel Emenike, neither does he bring the same graft that Brown Ideye used to.

Simply put, the team will have to adjust to Uche. This perhaps explains to a degree the Big Boss’ unwillingness to include him till now: as with all poachers, the set-up behind him must be tailored to mine his strengths. Efficiency in front of goal makes the trade-off somewhat bearable, but poachers are really not sustainable at the top-level anymore.

The striker himself has expressed his pleasure at the recall. Having appeared destined to remain on the outs with Keshi in charge, Uche now has a window of opportunity. When the next Afcon kicks off, he will be 31. By conventional wisdom, he is at his peak; now would be a good time to finally deliver for the national team at a major tournament.

Messrs Le Roy and Mashaba, say hello to our secret weapon.