Stephen Keshi has admitted that Stoke City forward Peter Odemwingie had an off day against Greece at PPL Park (Chester, Pennsylvania) in the Super Eagles penultimate practice game prior to the World Cup.

Only African Cup of Nations goleador, Emmanuel Emenike, had scored more international goals than Odemwingie in the starting lineup the Nigeria manager named on Tuesday, but the former Bendel Insurance play-maker was handed a role in midfield.

“Osaze is one of our versatile players who can play anywhere in the forward line and he tried to give his all against Greece, but it was simply not his day.

“Even when I shifted him to the right wing he kept pushing, but as a footballer myself I knew he has to rest and give his best at the World Cup,” Keshi said in his post match comments.

Peter Odemwingie has made 57 international appearances for Nigeria, netting 9 times