The Super Eagles’ coach Stephen Keshi has said he will convince Anichebe to return the fold as he considers replacement options for the injured Emmanuel Emenike.
According to the ‘big boss,’ Anichebe, Turkey- based Micheal Eneramo and Werder Bremen striker Joseph Akpala are among the list of options presently available to replace Emenike.
Anichebe had earlier disclosed that this isn’t the right time for him to return to the Super Eagles after the Everton of England striker suffered many injuries in the past few months.
Keshi, on his own part, is disappointed Emenike will miss Eagles matches in June.
“I am sad with the injury of my top striker. I called him the other day to ask how far and he said coach I am out but I am with the team. It’s really sad but that is football for you,” Keshi disclosed this to MTNFootball.com.
“I have listed three players as his replacement with Victor Anichebe top on the list and Joseph Akpala and Micheal Eneramo. But I am just hearing that Anichebe has said he would not be available for selection, which is very sad.
“I have made effort in the past to speak with him through Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Joseph Yobo and (Dickson) Etuhu but he said he was not ready to play. I will still make effort to reach him, you never can tell, I could be able to convince him to have a change of mind.”
Emenike suffered another long- term injury after returning from a hamstring injury he picked up against Mali in the semi- final of the recent Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
The Spartak Moscow of Russia striker will therefore not be available for selection during the June hectic schedule that will have the Eagles play two World Cup qualifiers as well as feature in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.
