NFF praying for 'wisdom' for Keshi to choose good World Cup squad

The Nigeria Football Federation says it is in prayer mode for the national team coach to select a good bunch of prayers for the Mundial in Brazil

Mike Umeh, the first vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation, has indicated that the body is in prayer mode ahead of the announcement of a final squad for the World Cup by national coach Stephen Keshi.

Given free rein in the selection of his teams so far, the NFF has tried not to interfere so much in his squad choice.

With the improved performances from strikers Ikechukwu Uche and Peter Odemwingie at their clubs, however, not a few officials are keen to see more experienced players included for the World Cup campaign.

"The Technical Department of the Nigeria Football Federation is made up of technocrats and should be able to liaise with Stephen Keshi to come out with the best squad for Nigeria," Umeh told Goal during Thursday's unveiling of the new national team jerseys.

"Nigeria is blessed with an array of good footballers that could form a strong team to take on the world.

"So [the NFF] prays that let God give [Keshi] the wisdom to get the best players for the World Cup in Brazil," he said.

Umeh also encouraged the Super Eagles to do well at the World Cup seeing the amount of investment that the country has made on the team.

"Our people say to whom much is given, much is expected. We expect our Super Eagles to reciprocate these kind gestures from the Nigeria Football Federation.

"Our prayer is first to have the day in our international friendly against Mexico. This anticipated victory will help to boost the morale of the players and we will have some confidence that we are going to do well in the 2014 World Cup.

"We hope that the new kits would inspire the team and spur them to do well in the World Cup," Umeh said.If you have any questions or suggestions feel free to drop your comment in the comment box below.