Peter Odemwingie on a mission to fire West Brom
Peter Odemwingie today warned the Premier League he is on "on a mission" to make the most of his Nigeria snub by helping West Bromwich Albion have "special" season.
The Baggies forward admitted his international career is over after he was omitted from the Nigeria squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in the new year.
But the 31-year-old today insisted he is excited about playing for Albion while his former international team-mates target glory in South Africa – and helping the Baggies stay near the top of the Premier League.
"Albion are on a mission," said Odemwingie. "We have started so well this season and maybe we can have a very great season. If I stay here for the extra four games in January it could mean a lot.
"If I'm in good form and score goals and bring points to the team, I'll be very happy at the end of the season. It might be a plus that I can continue to be here for what could be a very special season for us."
Odemwingie was left out of Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi's 32-man provisional squad for the finals, which start in January and are set to feature Hawthorns midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu as part of the DR Congo team.
But he admitted he was already torn about taking part with his wife, Sarah, due to give birth to their first child next month.
"My son will be born around January 11," said Odemwingie, who has had a difficult relationship with Keshi and predecessor Samson Siasia. "So it was a difficult call for me to go away to the training camp, come back for one day for the birth and go again. It is clear now that my days with the 'Super Eagles' are over."
