2014 World Cup: Babatunde Reveals How He Got Into Super Eagles Starting Lineup

2014 World Cup: Babatunde Reveals How He Got Into Super Eagles Starting Lineup

Sampson Adedeji

Former Nigerian International Michael Babatunde has revealed how he got into the Super Eagles' starting lineup against Bosnia and Argentina, BENSports.com.ng reports.

Despite not being part of the victorious 2013 African Cup of Nations team, Babatunde was one of the surprise inclusion for the World Cup in Brazil.

While speaking with the Punch, the left-footed midfielder revealed how he convinced the team's coach, then late Stephen Keshi, to play him.

" After the first game against Iran, everyone was not happy. I watched the game again and noted things that I could have done differently if I had been in that game because I used to play No.10 at my club side then".

 "So, I went straight to coach Keshi’s room and told him I could slot into the midfield and offer something different as a playmaker. I said, ‘Big boss, I can play this position’. I told Keshi to play me in the next game but he was sceptical.

" He said he took a risk by bringing me to the World Cup, saying people have said he took money.

"So, I also said that if he didn’t believe in me, he wouldn’t take me to Brazil so he should give me the chance to prove myself. I remember he said, ‘Babatunde, I don’t want to put you under pressure’.

"I went to the assistant, coach Vale and he promised to speak with Keshi and in training, I was played in that position.

 " Everyone was surprised by my performance in training. I scored goals and did a lot of things".

" Mikel Obi had to call me and say, ‘Babatunde, you’re very quick, I believe you can do it’.

"That made me happy, and I thought I could even do more. That was how I got into the starting lineup, and I played all my life in that game".

"After the game, the likes of Enyeama, Mikel and Osaze called me again to encourage me", he explained.