Odemwingie admits fault over Keshi brouhaha

The Super Eagles forward has taken responsibility for the fallout with the national team handler that ruled him out of the national team for over a year

Nigeria international Peter Odemwingiehas accepted responsibility for his clash with Super Eagles head coach Stephen Keshi.

The striker who is currently with the national team currently preparing for the 2014 World Cup in the United States of America blamed the breakdown with the former Mali and Togo gaffer to his poor adaptation to the change in management of the Super Eagles after coach Samson Siasia era.

"Coach Keshi took over and in the first game (against Rwanda) I was subbed quite early, which I’ve never been used to because I always played 90 minutes, both for club and national team," Osaze told The Guardian UK.

"So I felt: ‘OK, he’s probably not sure about me.’ I thought I should leave the national team for now. It could be that I misjudged the situation, and after watching how he does it … he made a lot of early substitutions during the qualifiers and the African Cup, so then I was like: ‘OK, I shouldn’t have taken it in the way I did.’

He also revealed that he decided to make peace with the ‘big boss’ after admitting his fault.

"I’m humble enough to admit that, because when the same things happen to other players, then clearly it’s not personal to you.

“ So for me it was then a case of coming to him and saying: ‘Let’s hug it out and move on.’ He was happy to do that,” he added.

"The Nigeria team psychologist also played a big part. He came to see me in January, spoke to the coach and explained: ‘Peter’s an honest guy and, most importantly, he’s a good player who can help your team.’ The coach agreed with that and gave me a chance again."

The 32-year player expressed his disappointment for not the squad to the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa citing it as one of his biggest regrets of his career.

"In the past few years my only regret is that, as I’ve become a better player, I probably would have got more goals for myself and the country but I missed out a bit. I’ve missed a year and a half, missed out on the cup they won, unfortunately.

"I wish I was part of that squad because I’ve played in four Africa Nations and got three bronze medals, never a gold. But I can’t look back. This is another opportunity for me," he concluded.