Clemence Westerhof, former Super Eagles manager, has called on Coach Gernot Rohr to include VVV Venlo’s Kelechi Nwakali in the national team setup.
Westerhof, it can be recalled, led the Super Eagles to the 1994 Nations Cup triumph in Tunis and coached them to their first FIFA World Cup finals appearance same year in the United States of America.
“VVV Venlo are a first division team here in Holland. I’ve not seen him playing so I don’t know much about him,” said.
“But if he could play in the first team of a first division team in Holland, then I cannot see why he cannot play in the national team of Nigeria, age not minding.
“He could be called up by the coach. Such young players can do well in big games if given a role.
“What is important is for the coach to give him confidence.”
Nwakali captained the U17 Golden Eaglets, who conquered the rest of the world in 2015 in Chile and went on to lead the U20 Flying Eagles.
The midfielder signed for Arsenal last year when he turned 18 but was sent out on loan to Dutch second division club MVV Maastricht last season.
Meanwhile, Westerhof kicked against the return of Vincent Enyeama to the Super Eagles.
With Carl Ikeme out for a while following Leukemia diagnosis, there have been suggestions for Vincent Enyeama to be recalled from his international retirement. However, Westerhof is strongly against such a move.
“No, no, no! Whoever has retired from the national team should not be called back,” he warned passionately.
“Instead, you must have to go with the players you have, who are ready to play. Then you give them confidence.”
“At home you must have to win and at away, ensure that you get a draw. With that, you the Super Eagles are straight to the World Cup.”