Express & Star

West Brom's Victor Anichebe hints at Nigeria return

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Albion striker Victor Anichebe today hinted he would return to the Nigeria team for the World Cup this summer – but insisted he has not been asked about an international comeback.

Super Eagles media officer Ben Alaiya claimed at the weekend coach Stephen Keshi was hoping to persuade Anichebe to end his international exile. But, while the 25-year-old refused to rule out a comeback in time for the finals in Brazil, he dismissed suggestions discussions had already begun.

"I haven't spoken to anybody," he said. "That goes from the federation to Stephen Keshi himself. We will see what happens.

"Right now I'm playing well, feeling fit, strong and helping my team in the situation we are currently in at the moment.

"If I continue to play well from now to the end of the season then we can take it from there. I'm grateful the coach says he is willing to give me a chance, but I think everybody in Nigeria and around the world knows what I can do.

"Yes, the World Cup only comes once every four years and it could be my last opportunity – this is something I'm aware of but I haven't spoken to anybody."

Anichebe, who was born in Lagos but raised in Liverpool, made his Nigeria debut in 2008 after switching allegiances from England but missed out on selection for the 2010 World Cup. He played several times after the tournament in South Africa but then made himself unavailable to focus on his club career.

n The Baggies are preparing for two more 2,000-plus followings in their next two away trips.

They club have already sold 2,100 tickets for Saturday's trip to Hull with just 400 of their allocation remaining.

And they expect to break the 2,000 barrier for the April 5 visit to Norwich, which 40 free coaches being laid on to take supporters to East Anglia.