Anichebe explains withdrawal
20 Nov 2007 - 11:41:35
Everton striker Victor Anichebe has denied claims he pulled out of a proposed debut for Nigeria after a late change of heart concerning his international allegiance.
The 19-year-old striker was scheduled to make his Super Eagles debut in a friendly against Australia on Saturday but withdrew from the squad and remains uncapped at full international level.
However, the Toffees youngster has rejected claims that he pulled out after reconsidering his decision to choose Nigeria ahead of a possible international career with England.
Anichebe was born in Lagos but raised on Merseyside.
"Having felt a reaction in my hand after playing against Nurnburg and Chelsea it was clear to me and the medical team at Everton that I need to give it some time otherwise there was the potential for some long-term damage," he told the club's official website.
"The break for the international matches presented me with that opportunity and, having talked it through, I decided it would better long-term if I didn't make myself available for the match against Australia.
"Everton did make contact with the Nigerian Football Association revealing their concerns regarding the injury and pointed to the fact that since the fracture took place I had not played as much football as I may have done if fully-fit.
"Clearly any professional footballer has aspirations to play international football and I'm delighted I've been fortunate enough to be given that opportunity by Nigeria.
"But my first priority has to be with Everton and ensuring I'm fit and available for the run of important games we've got coming up in the next few weeks."