24 home-based professional players who will be joined later by their foreign-based counterparts for the 2014 World Cup qualifier against the Harambee Stars of Kenya, scheduled for 23 March in Calabar, Cross River State.
Stephen Keshi, Super Eagles Coach: Invites 24 local players for Kenya tie
On the 24-man list is Eagles’ home-based skipper, Chigozie Agbim, Sunday Mba, who was one of the heroes of Nigeria’s 2013 Nations Cup win, Godfrey Oboabona, the Sunshine Stars skipper, who featured in all games of the tournament in South Africa, Gabriel Reuben, Papa Idris and goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi.
The surprise inclusion in the team is Shooting Stars of Ibadan goalkeeper, Dele Ajiboye, who started with the U-17 team and has been with the Flying Eagles and the U-23 team.
All the invited players are expected to begin camping at Bolton White Apartment, Zone 7 in Abuja from Sunday, 10 March. From there they will be joined by foreign-based players next week for the trip to Calabar, venue of the encounter.
The full list of invited players are:
Goalkeepers: Abim Chigozie (Rangers), Akpeyi Daniel (Heartland), Ajiboye Dele (3SC)
Defenders: Egwueke Azubuike (Warri Wolves), Papa Idris (Kano Pillars), Zango Umar (Kano Pillars), Oboabona Godfrey (Sunshine Stars), Kwambe Solomon (Sunshine Stars), Chibuzo Okonkwo (Rangers), Ezekiel Bassey (Lobi Stars), Benjamin Francis (Heartland), Zubaru Muhammed (Tornadoes).
Midfielders and Forwards: Mba Sunday (Nigeria), Gabriel Ruben (Kano Pillars), Gambo Muhammed (Kano Pillars), Ubale Mannir (Kano Pillars), Pius Samson (Ranchers Bees), Ohanduku Gomo (Sharks), Obinna Nwanchukwu (Heartland), Saka Ayo (Enyimba), Jiya Muhammed (Bayelsa FC), Emeka Ezeh (Rangers), Anthony Okputu (Lobi Stars), Adepoju Taofeek (3SC).
