Midfield is our weakest link-Keshi

John Obi Mikel’s return to the Super Eagles looks imminent as coach Stephen Keshi is worried about the midfield play of the national team which has been identified as the department that requires urgent improvement.

“Whatever problem we are having is not arising from the defence and attack. Rather the technical crew has seen that the loophole is in the midfield. We are now determined to fix that area before the Liberians come visiting next month. Nigerians will be happy at the end of the day,” Keshi said.

There has been clamour in many quarters for the invitation of Chelsea’s midfielder, Mikel Obi to bring life to the midfield.  

Against the Lone Star, Nigeria started with a midfield comprising Nwankwo Obiorah, Nosa Igiebor, Victor Moses and Ejike Uzoenyi, though there was a slight tactical change when Ahmed Musa was injected as a second half substitute for Moses.

The failure of Reuben Gabriel, to shake off a leg injury on the eve of the team’s departure to Monrovia was a major blow to Keshi who had to adjust his formation in the middle.

The Eagles coach has also given Raheem Lawal a look in against Malawi and Rwanda in the qualifying matches for the 2014 World Cup and 2013 Africa Cup of Nation, while Fegor Ogude, due to injury and the erratic John Mikel Obi are still to figure in his plan.