Osaze sure of World Cup place

Osaze Odemwingie

Stoke City striker Osaze Odemwingie is confident he will rejoin the Super Eagles for the World Cup after making peace with coach Stephen Keshi and the Nigeria Football Federation.

Odemwingie has been out of the national team since 2012, a situation which led to a spat between him and Nigeria’s football management. But on Saturday, he confirmed to SkySports that the problems had been resolved.

He said, “There have been some issues (keeping me out of the team) but they’ve been resolved. As it is, I just have to work hard everyday and perform well for my club, and I’ll be back in the frame (for the World Cup).

“Everything looks good, but I have to play well and, hopefully, I’ll have the chance (to rejoin the team).

“I’ve made myself available and I’ve been in touch with the federation and the coach; everything looks good.”

Meanwhile, Cardiff City manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted that he does not regret allowing Odemwingie to leave the club.

Odemwingie left Cardiff in January to join Stoke City in a deal which saw Kenwyne Jones arrive in the Welsh capital, before going on to score four goals in 11 appearances for his new club.

Both sides fought to a 1-1 draw at the Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday.

“I am looking forward to meeting Peter. He is a good lad, a very good player and has done really well for them,” Solskjaer said before the two sides met on Saturday.

“There are certainly no regrets in letting him go. That’s football. You move on.”