By Johnny Edward:
Former Super Eagles skipper Austin Okocha has unequivocally stated that Volyn winger Michael Babatunde has justified his inclusion in the World Cup squad after his sterling performance against Bosnia.
A 29th minute strike from Stoke City forward Osaze Odemwingie ensured the Eagles bounced back from their goalles draw against Iran to defeat Bosnia by a lone goal – Nigeria’s first win at the World Cup in 16 years.
Okocha revealed that the 21 year old who replaced Victor Moses in the Eagles starting line up is fast becoming the player the team could rely on.
“Nobody gave him a chance when he was named in the 23 man squad for the World Cup but with this kind of performance, he has justified it.
“He showed great skills and composure but there’s still more to be offered at this level.”
The game was Babatunde’s second start for the Eagles since he made his debut against Mexico last year in Miami.
A draw in the Eagles last group game against Argentina will see Stephen Keshi’s led side into the last 16.
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COMMENTS
Before I recognized his name, I was impressed with what number 18 did against Greece, during their friendly game in USA. I watched that game live. He takes the game more into the eighteen yard box, this is important because you either connect it to somebody to score, score it yourself, get fowled and get a penalty, or get a deflection and your opponent gets an own goal, this is the reason why Babatunde can be a dangerious player. But Victor Moses is an enterprising player with dribbling skills, has vast trading skills cannot be traded in for the bench. I want to see Uzoenyi trikish left-footed, we gotta trust him. I see that guy as a person that wants to do something special. He may not start, but give him atleast 30 minutes of play time. Vicor means victory, please Keshi respect that.
i think michel derserved the first team shirt, if keshi can start him again’s argentina and moses should come at the second half it will bring credit 2 the team’s success