He said the underlying difference between the player and Keshi that denied Uche a call-up was because the coach considered his call very late.
Uche spoke with Keshi two weeks ago before the 30-man provisional list was released.
He said, "When Uche called, Keshi told him he had no problem with him. Of course Uche raised the issue of tactical indiscipline on the part of the striker that had been reported widely in the media but he dismissed it as a matter that was over blown by the media."And the key thing, he wanted to know why Uche did not call since he was dropped and had to wait until April. He made it clear that all other players including (Joseph) Yobo and Osaze (Odemwingie) called to iron out their own issues. And then the conclusion was that it had become too late to make any change."
Uche has not played for Nigeria since winning the 2013 Africa Nations Cup with Nigeria in a competition held in South Africa. The player has been ignored despite outcry from Nigerians and the striker being the highest scoring Nigerian in the 2013/14 season. The Villareal player scored his 13th goal on Sunday to further distinguish himself as the country's top hitman this term.
Osaze, who had been sidelined since 2012, was recalled after the coach said that the player had apologised for his comments on the coach and several Nigerian officials via Twitter. Yobo has also not played for Nigerian since the 2013 Nations Cup.
It was not possible for The PUNCH to speak with Keshi on Monday as his mobile telephone was switched off.
