Mba moves on from Brazil heartbreak

Nigeria international midfielder, Sunday Mba has revealed that he haboured “no negative thoughts" after he was controversially left out of the country’s 2014 World Cup squad. Mba achieved Nigerian football immortality following his superlative displays for the Super Eagles at the 2013 Africa Cup on Nations in South Africa. His superb strike helped Nigeria beat pre-tournament favourites, the Ivory Coast 2-1 in the quarterfinals before an equally well-taken strike in the final against Burkina Faso saw the Super Eagles emerge African champions for the first time since 1994 following a 1-0 victory over the Stallions. Mba was widely expected to make Nigeria’s final World Cup squad following his impressive display for French club, CA Bastia in the second half of the 2013/14 season but head coach, Stephen Keshi left him out to the surprise of many. Mba has now taken the time to discuss the emotions that he felt after he learnt he was not going to be in Brazil. “I will be lying if I say I was not disappointed (not to be selected) but as a professional, you know these things happen. “I had no negative thoughts as I always respect the decision of my coaches and I knew the country was blessed with so many good players. It was impossible for everyone to go (to Brazil),” the 25-year-old exclusively told supersport.com from his base in France. The midfielder added that he was in constant touch with the players in Brazil willing them on before every game. “I was always trying to encourage the boys with supportive messages ahead of every game because the country is more important than any individual. “We did well against France and only hard luck prevented us from reaching the quarterfinals,” he said.