Of Osaze's absence, and the Nigeria vs Iran Lackluster Opening Match

When I Googled the Nigerian team in the opening match against Iran at the on-going World Cup Soccer event yesterday, Osaze Odemwingie's name was listed as one of the eleven players. However, when the real game started, Odemwingie was benched. From the very first minute of the game I started asking: where is Odemwingie. Where is the light skin dude? I asked and asked and asked throughout the first 45 minutes of the first half, without an answer. When Mr. Keshi eventually brought him in towards the mid-section of the second half, there was a noticeable change – there was a real hunger for goals. And the guys who were watching the match with me saw why I asked about Odemwingie repeatedly throughout the first half.

Right now the damage has been done and Nigeria exhibited a second-eleven or aptly put, a lackluster performance. I want to ask the question again: Why was Osaze Odemwingie not featured for the full 90 minutes? I am feeling disappointed, not necessarily because we did not win, but for the fact that a trusted striker, a quality player was undeservedly benched and prevented from doing what he knows how to do: score goals. If Mr. Keshi is reading this: Please do not equivocate on featuring ODEMWINGIE for the full ninety minutes in your next match. A word is enough for the wise. He is a STAR PLAYER you cannot afford to trade for other players. His disallowed goal speaks volumes. If allowed, that goal would have been classified as one of the best goals in the tournament. He has energy. He has drive. He has rhythm. He has confidence. He is creative. Above all, he can read the game like a real pro. He is a natural leader - a guy you cannot push around. I saw that in him long ago. Give him a chance. Fifteen minutes of play is not good enough. This is no time for affirmative action or trial and error.