Lokomotiv Moscow attacking all-rounder Victor Obinna was ignored for selection when Nigeria boss Stephen Keshi released his African Cup of Nations roster.
Obinna, who has been monitoring the Eagles performance in South Africa, has commented to the official website of the Railway Men the reasoning behind Keshi’s decision to omit him from the squad which has qualified for the semi-finals of Africa’s premier soccer competition.
Obinna told the official website, fclm.ru: ”I watch most of the matches on the internet. As it happens, neither in Dubai, either here in Cyprus, no Eurosport, which is showing the tournament. The main upset of course – the quarterfinal game against Cote d’Ivoire. And I was pleased that they qualified – Nigeria.
”There are many other surprises. For example, hardly anyone expected to see Cape Verde in the group stages. And I have a feeling that this is not the latest sensation. Now everyone expects that the final will be played between Nigeria and Ghana. And I would not be surprised if Burkina Faso beat Ghana. And Nigeria will find it difficult against Mali. But I believe in the guys – they are fully able to win the African Cup of Nations, we have now selected a very good team.”
He went further: ”I did not have much luck with the coaching staff that formed the backbone of the team. And another problem, in Nigeria they don’t show the Russian championship. The same coaches have seen Emenike play in the Champions League. Hopefully, this year, Lokomotiv Moscow will be back playing in European competition and then I’ll be back in front of the coach. Spoke to Emenike, who is now in the national team preparing for the semi-finals of the African Cup. I am very happy for the guys and personally for Emenike – he has scored three goals in the tournament. ”
Obinna’s strike against FC Terek Grozny back in September was voted the most beautiful goal in 2012 by the official website of Lokomotiv Moscow.
