Taiwo not expecting to make Nigeria World Cup squad

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Taiwo not expecting to make Nigeria World Cup squad

By Shina Oludare
Apr 7, 2014 8:14:00 PM

Despite his consistent performance in the Turkish Super Lig, the Nigeria says his chances of making it to Brazil 2014 are slim

Taye Taiwo has revealed that he will be surprised if he gets an invite from Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi ahead of the 2014 World Cup.

Taiwo last played for the country in a goalless draw against Rwanda in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in February 2012.

With Keshi expected to announce his provisional squad next week, the former AC Milan player is not optimistic about his chances to feature in the tournament in Brazil this summer.

"I played at the last World Cup, but this one will be very difficult to be a part of," Taiwo told BBC Sport.

"I've been out of the set-up for over two years so I am rather pessimistic than optimistic this time around.

"Without me playing a part, Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations and qualified for the World Cup, so realistically my chances of making it are very slim."

He however corrected the notion that he has retired from international football insisting that he is always available to play for his country.

“I've not retired from the national team, so I will always make myself available for selection.

"The selection is done by the coach and it is his sole responsibility to decide who is good enough to make the squad.

"The key to the future is to keep doing well with my club and hope for better days.

"As a young player I was given my debut, so I can't completely rule out a happy ending to my international career," he concluded.

Taye Taiwo boasts of 55 appearances for Nigeria with five goals to his credit since making his debut in 2004.