TheCable

Atlanta ’96 Olympic soccer gold medalist, Emmanuel Babayaro, reckons the performance of Stoke City, forward Osaze Odemwingie, will be crucial to the Super Eagles in their Group F World Cup games against Argentina, Iran and Bosnia.

The former Nigerian goalkeeper is confident Odemwingie will prove himself a worthy World Cup starter during Nigeria’s warm-up games, which begin Wednesday against Scotland at Fulham’s Craven Cottage.

“Osaze has confidence, experience, and dedication, which are the major ingredients and qualities needed to survive and achieve success at the World Cup,” Babayaro told The Sentinel.

“I am very happy that the striker is in the team right now and he would prove himself in the three friendly matches lined up for the team.”

Babayaro preferred to talk about Odemwingie’s prowess on the pitch rather than dwell on his antics off it.

“Osaze we all know has great qualities as a player and his experience and skills alone would pose threat to opponents.

“He also enjoyed a tremendous season, most especially since he teamed up with Stoke City; he has been in tremendous form. If he is picked for the World Cup, he will definitely prove all his doubters wrong.”