Keshi Releases Final 23 Man List for Africa Cup of Nations 2013 Campaign
Nigeria’s coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi announced his final Africa Cup of Nations squad on Wednesday ahead of the international friendly against Cape Verde.
There was nothing strange in the squad as Keshi kept faith with many of the players that played in the final Afcon qualifier against Liberia in October 2012.
However, notably missing from the squad is new sensation Bright Dike who scored in the 1-1 draw against Catalonia on January 2.
Stephen Keshi’s squad consists of six players based in the Nigeria Premier League, a bold attempt to give locally based players a greater sense of belonging in the national side. The remaining players are based abroad.
Chelsea duo John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses make the team as well as forwards Ikechukwu Uche, Ahmed Musa, Brown Ideye and Emmanuel Emenike.
In defence, captain Joseph Yobo leads the side as well as Efe Ambrose, Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa and youngster Kenneth Omeruo who broke into the side after making his debut in the game against Catalonia.
Midfielders are Obiorah Nwankwo, Ogenyi Onazi, Nosa Igiebor and Fegor Ogude as well as goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide.
The players from the Nigerian league are goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, defenders Azubuike Egwueke, Godfey Oboabona, midfielder Reuben Gabriel and forwards Ejike Uzoenyi and Sunday Mba.
Nigeria are drawn in Group C and they will start their campaign against Burkina Faso on January 21. Other group opponents are Zambia and Ethiopia.
Name Club
Goalkeepers:
Vincent Enyeama Maccabi Tel Aviv
Austin Ejide Hapoel Be’er Sheba
Chigozie Agbim Enugu Rangers
Defenders:
Elderson Echiejile FC Braga
Juwon Oshaniwa Ashdod FC
Joseph Yobo Fenerbahce
Efe Ambrose Celtic FC
Azubuike Egwuekwe Warri Wolves
Kenneth Omeruo ADO Den Haag
Godfrey Oboabona Sunshine Stars
Midfielders:
John Mikel Obi Chelsea FC
Nosa Igiebor Real Betis
Ogenyi Onazi SS Lazio
Obiorah Nwankwo Calcio Padova
Fegor Ogude Valerenga FC
Reuben Gabriel Kano Pillars
Forwards:
Ahmed Musa CSKA Moscow
Emmanuel Emenike Spartak Moscow
Brown Ideye Dynamo Kyiv
Victor Moses Chelsea FC
Ikechukwu Uche Villarreal FC
Ejike Uzoenyi Enugu Rangers
Sunday Mba Enugu Rangers
Related posts:
- Keshi Invite Moses, Mikel, Enyeama and 35 Others for 2013 Nations Cup Qualifier Against Liberia
- Keshi to Release List of Foreign Based Players for 2013 Nations Cup Qualifier Tomorrow
- 2013 Nations Cup Qualifiers: Keshi Invite 30 HomeBased Players
- Yobo, 10 Others Arrive Watford for Ghana Friendly
- Super Eagles Play Out Drab Draw Against Cape Verde