Adepoju, Kpakor disagree over Moses
JUNE 1, 2013
Victor Moses
Former Nigeria internationals Mutiu Adepoju and Moses Kpakor have different opinions about the unavailability of Chelsea Victor Moses for the Super Eagles’ crucial World Cup qualifying games against Kenya in Nairobi on June 5 and Namibia in Windhoek on June 12.
Nigeria will represent Africa at the FIFA Confederations Cup scheduled to take place in Brazil between June 15 and 30 and Moses, who is nursing an injury, will also miss the tournament as he will not be fit to play until July, after treatment.
The 2013 Europa League winner wrote on his Twitter page on Wednesday, “(I’m) devastated not to be able to represent my country this summer but have to respect medical advice on injury. I’ll be supporting though.”
Coach Stephen Keshi will also miss the services of Spartak Moscow talisman and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Golden Boot winner Emmanuel Emenike, who underwent knee surgery on May 2.
Adepoju and Kpakor, who spoke to our correspondent in separate interviews on the telephone during the week, lamented the development.
Tunisia ’94 Africa Cup of Nations winner Adepoju said the Eagles would miss Moses, particularly in the game against Kenya. He also said Emenike would be a big loss to the team. But the former Real Santander midfielder backed other forwards in the squad to produce goals.
“The Eagles will miss Moses because he is a quality player who can make things happen for the team,” Adepoju, who represented Nigeria at the USA’94 and France ’98 World Cups, said.
“Moses is a fantastic player. We saw what he did in South Africa and at Chelsea in the season just ended.
“However, shouldn’t be disturbed by the development because injuries are part of the game.
“When one player is injured, it’s an opportunity for another player to step up.
“I believe Keshi has taken care of this. We shouldn’t worry over Moses and Emenike’s absence.”
The Saudi’89 FIFA U-20 World Cup silver medallist predicted victory for Nigeria against the Harambee Stars of Kenya.
Adepoju dismissed the fears that the Eagles would struggle against the East African minnows because most of the players Keshi will select for the match are tired following a hectic season in Europe.
“If they are tired, Keshi knows what to do to make them fit for the encounter,” he said.
On his part, Kpakor insisted that Moses’ absence would not be felt in the game against Kenya.
“It’s very unfortunate that he will not be available for the game but I don’t think we’ll miss him much,” the Algiers ’90 Africa Cup of Nations winner said.
“It’s difficult to miss any player judging from the way Keshi has built the national team.
“I’m glad that both the domestic league players and their foreign-based counterparts have an equal opportunity to play in the team.
“I’m very sure that Keshi has capable replacements for Moses and Emenike.
“He’s in charge of the team and he has the right to select any player.”
The former BCC Lions star also backed the Eagles to beat Kenya at home.
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