Everton striker Victor Anichebe has again ruled out any possible return to the national team.
After his recent run of form that saw him feature for Everton’s first team, for a reasonable number of games, there has been speculation he would come in for the injured Emmanuel Emenike as the Super Eagle prepares for a host of matches.
Anichebe have insisted the time has not come for him to return to international duty claiming he wishes to concentrate on his English Premier League club at the ‘moment.’
“This time is just not right for me to resume my international career as of yet, but I would certainly love to represent my country in the none too distant future,” Anichebe said.
He cited his personal injury problem as the reason behind his decision.
“I have always been proud to represent my country, but it is becoming more and more evident that with the injuries I have had over the last two years or so, I have to manage my body accordingly.
“That’s why I feel the best thing for me at the moment is to concentrate on club football.
“Without club football there is no international football and everyone at Everton was with me every step of the way during the injury and rehabilitation and so I owe the club to manage myself correctly.
“I didn’t feel that the Nigerian Football was there for me in the same manner, which was especially disappointing given that I got the injury representing my country,” the 25- year- old added. “But I don’t blame anyone for this nor do I have any issues with anybody from the NFF or Stephen Keshi our coach. He has done a fantastic job and is building a team that Nigerians can be proud of.”
Anichebe who wasn’t part of the AFCON 2013 winning team in South Africa said he felt as happy as every other Nigerian on the victorious Super Eagles success.
“A lot of people ask me if I was sad that I wasn’t part of the AFCON- winning team, but I couldn’t have been happier because it brought so much happiness to Nigerians especially after there has been so much tragedy,” he said.
“I know football cannot take away some of the pain it has caused, but it was good for the country. I am just like the 170 million Nigerians out there; I am a fan obviously as well as a player.”
Anichebe who won the Beijing Olympic silver medal for Nigeria last played for the Super Eagles in 2011, when he suffered an injury in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Madagascar.
