Former Nigerian international captain Segun Odegbami has said that his country needs the experience of Town's Finidi George at this summer's World Cup. Finidi and a number of other experienced players were left out of a 55-man pre-tourmanent squad by new manager Adegboye Onigbinde.

Onigbinde has introduced several youngsters after the failure of the 'old guard' in the African Nations' Cup earlier this year.

Odegbami, now the Director of the Nigeria Institute for Sports, says that there is not time to experiment too much before the World Cup and that the older players like Finidi can help the youngsters: "It is obvious that most of the players had made errors [at the African Nations' Cup], but in a situation where they show remorse we must forgive them.

"Looking at the team it is obvious, his [Finidi's] services are required to complement the new boys. Aside one or two players that are experienced in the team now, Finidi's return could make the difference."

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