West Bromwich Albion striker Peter Odemwingie was recently questioned about his dedication to the Nigerian national team.
The 31-year old was left out of the Super Eagles squad which won the African Cup of Nations earlier this month and there has been queries raised by supporters as to why he was not included in Stephen Keshi's group for the tournament in South Africa.
To make everything clear, Odemwingie took to Twitter to explain the reasons why he was not present with the title-winning Nigerian team after he decided to stay with the Baggies when called up by the Nigerian Football Federation in November.
"Last year I had perfect peace until they came with an invitation for a friendly Miami. Couldn't make it. Midweek friendly in Miami.
"Chose not to go. Personal reasons plus Chelsea on Saturday. Preferred to be fresh for the game. Club first. They couldn't use that as excuse.
"At the end staying back was justified. Scored a winner in the game. Not scared to say eagles come second to me cos of past experience.
"They couldn't say my body language is poor cos one can understand that game was more interesting to play. (Victor) Moses and (John Obi) Mikel didn't go to.
"So that excuse couldn't be used. Spoke to coach Keshi prior to the list coming out and told him 'invite me only if u want. Not fans'.
"I assured him if I he wants me I ll be in camp 2 nd jan even and the birth of my son will not hold me back home. Clear on that.
"I said nada. Accepted it cos good side to it was I will witness my sons birth and will play in the derby against Villa ! #noreason4anger
"3 days I say nothing and stayed focused for my clubs weekends game. After the game gave a normal interview saying I am not even surprised.
"Sunday morning I read - NFF spokesman told MTN website he is not invited cos he fell out with national team coaches in the past.
"Coach says - he is still in my plans but I don't need him now.So one of them is lying. If I wasn't in 32 man list how am I in his plans? Lie.
"Question in my head. What happened between the invitation to Miami and 10 days after no invitation ? Past problem sorted and not sorted.
"Also I know what respect is - told coach Keshi. "U are the boss. As you say, that's how it ll be." ( why chose to talk to me through press?)
"I am not seeking a come back as I have showed you last year I am not so interested now. If things get straight forward maybe one day."
On a bit of a lighter note, Odemwingie was also on hand to give us some insight as to why Real Madrid got the better of rivals Barcelona in the Copa del Rey El Clasico battle on Tuesday night.
"El Classico. Tip tap vs physical. Real more a mix of both. That's why they winning more lately I think. But in the league barca is on top."
Also with an eye firmly on that match was former Barca striker Gary Lineker who had some happy memories playing the Madridistas.
"3 games at the Nou Camp against Real Madrid. Managed a hat-trick and 2 other winners. A somewhat boastful tweet but magical memories," he wrote.
Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany was extremely complimentary of Real's teenage French defender Raphaael Varane. Could he be joining the Belgian in the Premier League next year?
" In my opinion, Varane showed again today what a great defender he is. Well done to him. #ElClasico."
Also dishing out the compliments was the Travel Channel's own Man v Food personality Adam Richman who is a massive Tottenham fan but showed by his Tweets that he acknowledges when an opposition player is performing well. These are during Spurs' 3-2 win over the Hammers with Gareth Bale netting a sublime late winner.
"Hugo Lloris, I love you. Excellent save. #COYS," he wrote after the Spurs keeper denied Matt Taylor.
"Level pegging, bitches! Equalizer! Bravo Gylfi! #COYS," came when Gylfi Sigurdsson levelled the score at 2-2.
Richman then applauded West Ham keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen for his efforts: "Jääskeläinen is in incredible form. Doesn't matter who you support, Spurs or Irons - that man is just pure talent. Upton Park is on fire."
Before Bale struck: "Oh my Lord! @GarethBale11 is Superman! Gorgeous goal! #COYSBALE! BALE! BALE!"
And Bale's customary 'heart-shaped hands' goal celebration was not lost on Norwich City loanee Kei Kamara who runs the 'Hearts Shaped Hands' foundation for children in his native Sierra Leone.
"@GarethBale11 I #HeartShapedHands Salute u. Wow. Truly your time my man," he posted.
Kamara, who netted his first Premier League goal in the 2-1 win over Everton last weekend, also expressed his delight at seeing his name in a UK paper.
"It's really a Dream/Blessing to be on a train in United Kingdom and seeing someone reading an article bout u in the newspaper.#butterflies."
Swansea City's Ashley Williams confirms he is a lover of Portuguese chicken after completing his civic duties following the Welsh clubs Capital One Cup triumph.
" Open top bus followed by Nandos! Perfect day :)," he wrote gleefully.
Stan Collymore, who never shies away from controversy, was firstly impressed by the financial state of the Arsenal Football Club. He then put forward a questionable post regarding the future management of both Chelsea and Manchester United.
"Arsenal excellent profits and cash reserves . Could be the first organisation to go from being a football club to a bank," he said of the Gunners.
A few days later he wrote the following: "Prediction. Mourinho in summer groom Lampard/Terry in a 3 year spell, leaving them to manage club when he goes to Man United." - very interesting comment Stan .
And finally, Didi Hamann was disgusted with the reception his former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has received at Chelsea. The Spaniard said after Wednesday night's FA Cup win over Middlesbrough that he will not be back at the club next season because of the behaviour of a section of fans who want him out!
"Rafa is spot on.he deserves a lot more respect than he's been shown by the supporters.he is a top manager who has not been given afairchance," Hamann wrote.
"It wasn't a rant by any means,he was well controlled and probably bit his tongue for months for the sake of the football club.
"He has shown respect and dignity towards Chelsea FC even though very little came back his way.Never doubt his professionalism."
