stars in Europe - Uche not angry at Nigeria World Cup snub

The Villarreal striker was not picked by Keshi, despite scoring 12 goals in the Spanish top flight this season. Uche has not played for his country since they won the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa last year. The 30-year-old insists, however, that he holds no grudges against Keshi. "Of course as a professional footballer you'd love to represent your country, but I have never had bad words towards the national coach," Uche is widely regarded as one of Nigeria's most reliable strikers at international level and is one of his nation's all-time top scorers, with 18 goals in 45 appearances, behind Rashidi Yekini, Segun Odegbami and Yakubu Aiyegbeni. 

10 May 2014
2014 World Cup - squad - Shola Ameobi in provisional Nigeria squad

Stoke striker Peter Odemwingie and Newcastle forward Shola Ameobi are in Nigeria's provisional 30-man World Cup squad for Brazil 2014.

7 May 2014
stars in Europe - Wilfried Bony - Ivory Coast striker happy at Swansea City

The Ivorian has scored 24 goals in all competitions since joining the Swans from Vitesse Arnhem for a club-record fee of £12m last summer. Bony, 25, has been the bright spot in a disappointing Premier League season. 

4 May 2014
NATIONAL TEAM - MOROCCO - COACH - former player Badou Zaki confirmed as new coach

Zaki takes charge of the Atlas Lions for the second time in his career.

3 May 2014
club - coaches - Youssef resigns as Al Ahly coach

Al Ahly has accepted the resignation of coach Mohamed Youssef on Thursday. Youssef had been in charge of Al Ahly since May last year following the resignation Hossam El Badry.

2 May 2014
African Champions League 2014 - DR Congo rivals drawn together

TP Mazemebe, runners-up in last year's Confederation Cup, and AS Vita Club are fierce rivals

30 Apr 2014
African Confederation Cup 2014: play offs - 2nd leg - fixtures & results

Fixtures and results for the 2014 Confed Cup.
2013 champions: CS Sfaxien (Tunisia)

Winners advance to group stage

29 Apr 2014

NATIONAL TEAM - NIGERIA - Victor Moses says he is 'committed' to Nigeria

West Ham United Victor Moses

 

West Ham winger Victor Moses has reiterated his commitment to Nigeria after he was accused by fans and local media in Nigeria of putting club before country.

Moses, 25, starred as Nigeria clinched the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, but his search for consistency on the international scene has been hampered by a series of niggling injuries.

His last Super Eagles appearance was in the 2:0 loss to France at the 2014 World Cup but he insists his commitment to Nigeria should not be questioned.

"I'm proud of being a Nigerian international and am always committed to playing for my country," Moses told BBC Sport.

"It's the best feeling representing your country and I always want to perform and give 100% for the team.

"Unfortunately, I have not been able to play due to injuries but I have an unwavering commitment to Nigeria."

Moses' debut and last international appearance came under Stephen Keshi, who was fired after the country failed to qualify for the 2015 Nations Cup.

Keshi's successor, Sunday Oliseh, said Moses remains part of his plans despite pulling out of crucial friendlies against DR Congo and Cameroon last October.

Oliseh's comments were a timely boost for fit-again Moses who has played in West Ham's last five matches after recovering from a hamstring injury.

"There is a new manager and the team has been doing well but without me," said Moses, who misses the involvement.

"I'm prepared to give it my all and fight for a place on a regular basis, that's my aim.

"This is football, a competitive stage and I have to fight hard to get in but I don't mind doing that."

Former Crystal Palace and Wigan player Moses joined Chelsea in August 2012, but has spent the past two seasons on loan.

Moses, who also had loan spells at Liverpool in 2013-14 and Stoke last season, moved to West Ham on loan in September 2015 after signing a new four-year deal with his parent club.

At international level, he committed himself to Nigeria despite having represented England at junior levels, up to the Under-21 team.

 

 

7 Feb 2016
(BBC Sport, Nigeria by Oluwashina Okeleji)

Related countries

Related articles