Former Super Eagles striker Victor Chinedu Anichebe has revealed why he was dropped out of Super Eagles final 23-man squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
The Score Nigeria recalls that the former Everton star, Anichebe playing for Nigeria in 2008
Anichebe made his debut for Nigeria on 26 March 2008 in an Olympic games qualifying match against South Africa. Anichebe came off the substitutes’ bench to score the final goal in a 3–0 victory for Nigeria. He made his first start for Nigeria alongside fellow Everton player Yakubu in a friendly against Austria on 27 May 2008 being replaced at half-time.
Anichebe was selected to represent Nigeria at the 2008 Summer Olympics. On 10 August 2008, he scored Nigeria’s second goal in their match against Japan. Nigeria eventually reached the final, which they lost 1–0 to Argentina, with Anichebe receiving a silver medal.
Anichebe was not selected on the final 23-man squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa despite a good performance during a friendly against Saudi Arabia. He scored his first senior team goal in the March 2011 friendly against Kenya. Anichebe suffered a groin injury during a 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifying match against Madagascar in September 2011, with Nigeria head coach Samson Siasia blaming the poor pitch. The Super Eagles won the match 2–0 but would miss out on qualification for the tournament one month later, with the injured Anichebe unable to take part in the deciding group match against Guinea.
In October 2012, Anichebe announced he was focusing on his form for club side Everton, rather than on earning a return to the Nigerian team. He was subsequently omitted from the squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament which Nigeria won. In May 2013, Anichebe temporarily retired from international football to concentrate on his club career. However, he said he would return to international football in the future.
Anichebe couldn’t make Super Eagles squad in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa despite his good performance during a friendly against Saudi Arabia and in club side.
Different bribery allegations here and there about the then Nigerian coaches, from the likes of Obasi, Taiye Taiwo, Emenike and Odemwingie.
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