18th July, 2013
Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Keshi says he does not know if Everton striker, Victor Anichebe is still interested in playing for the Nigeria national team.
Anichebe had a fantastic 2012/13 season with Everton impressing with the Toffees in the Premier League and FA Cup.
Keshi admitted that he is interested in welcoming the Everton star back in the Eagles fold but insists the striker is keeping his cards, as regards his international future, very close to his chest.
The Big Boss revealed that he had made several efforts to get through to the player but has met with little success.
He added that the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF had officially written to Everton FC on the subject but did not get a favourable response.
“Everything depends on Anichebe. (The NFF) has made several requests and sent several e-mails to his club in England.
“The club subsequently promised to forward the e-mails to (Anichebe) but that was the last we heard of it,” Keshi said.
The 25-year-old has scored 18 goals in 130 appearances for Everton and is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in world football.
He however seemed to sound the death knell on his international football career in May when he disclosed that he would like to concentrate more on club football.
“I owe it to the club to manage myself correctly. I have always been proud to represent my country,” Anichebe told the BBC.
He added that injuries were the main reasons behind his declarations explaining that he has a duty to “manage my body accordingly.”
“It is becoming more and more evident that with the injuries I have had over the last two years or so, I have to manage my body accordingly. That’s why I feel the best thing for me at the moment is to concentrate on club football.
“Without club football there is no international football and everyone at Everton was with me every step of the way during my injuries and rehabilitation.
“I didn’t feel that the Nigerian Football Federation was there for me in the same manner, which was especially disappointing given that I got the injury representing my country.
“But I don’t blame anyone for this nor do I have any issues with anybody from the NFF or Stephen Keshi our coach. He has done a fantastic job and is building a team that Nigerians can be proud of.”
With the player seemingly pained and seriously considering whether or not to pursue his international career with Nigeria, Keshi says he is prepared to take more pragmatic steps to influence the player to rescind his decision.
“We have tried to contact Anichebe in person but that has been very difficult,” he said.
Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel will now be used as the “conduit” between Nigeria and the player as moves have intensified to welcome him to the fold according to Keshi.
“During the 2013 Fifa Confederations Cup in Brazil, I spoke to Mikel about this issue.
“Since they are both based in England, I asked Mikel to speak to Anichebe and ask him if he still wants to play for the national team.
“I tried to reach Mikel about four days ago but he was not taking his calls.
“As soon as I hear from Mikel, I will know the next step to take,” Keshi said.
Anichebe made his senior Nigeria debut in 2008 and has earned 11 caps since scoring once.