Osaze expecting baby, ready for Nations Cup

Super Eagles and West Brom forward Osaze Odemwingie is confident of making the final list for the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa in January but he is uncertain how he will cope when his wife gives birth to their first child in the same month.

Odemwingie was excluded from the team that played Venezuela in a friendly in Miami last month after coach Stephen Keshi reportedly said the striker was not willing to play for Nigeria. Both men have made up and the player is almost certain of making the squad.

But Odemwingie’s wife, Sarah, is due to give birth to a son less than a fortnight before the tournament, meaning the 31-year-old’s preparations could be affected if the baby arrives late.

“I hope it won’t affect my involvement,” said Odemwingie. “You can’t predict what will happen but I hope for a scenario where it will be easy.

“The due date is about 10 days before the African Cup of Nations. Babies can be late, or early, but in this case I pray it’s earlier so everything will go smoothly.

“The preparation period (for the tournament) is usually about 10-14 days. Sometimes the home-based players start earlier. That will be discussed soon.”

It appears certain both Odemwingie and DR Congo midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu will miss up to a month of West Brom ’s season from mid-January.

“I will be playing,” said Odemwingie. “There is no problem with the coach (Keshi). I couldn’t make the last game for personal reasons. I am in his plans, we have spoken well and, as far as I’m concerned, I will be called up.

“It’s bad I will miss games for Albion because I am full of desire, we’ve had a good start and I want that to continue.

“But I’ve had to leave before when I played in France and Belgium . Steve Clarke has given me his blessing.

“When we were due to play in Miami for a midweek game and I came to the training ground he said ‘what are you doing here?’

“He likes to encourage us to play. He thinks it makes us better. I have his blessing, which is a good thing.

“I’m confident Albion have a good squad to cope with this. We have options when myself and Youssouf are gone.”