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By Arinze Ude

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has named a strong squad including eight players from the trip to Brazil for the visit of Cote D’Ivoire as Eagles bid to secure their first ever African Championship of Nations (CHAN) tournament ticket. The home based Super Eagles face Ivory Coast in a two-legged qualifier with the first match taking place in Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna on 6 July and the winner of the tie going through to the tournament in South Africa. The tournament is the African Cup of Nations for home-based/local players employed in the local leagues across Africa. Nigeria failed to qualify for the tournament on two previous occasions. but Keshi has made his intentions known by naming eight players from Eagles’ trip to Brazil. Goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, defenders Azubuike Egwuekwe, Godfrey Oboabona, Solomon Kwambe and Benjamin Francis, midfielders Emeka Eze and Sunday Mba and forward Muhammad Gambo will be joined by 14 other players for the tie. Nigeria is looking to bounce back from a disappointing outing at the Confederations Cup in Brazil. The NFF had declined Super Eagles’ participation in this year’s CHAN qualifiers but made a U-turn at the last minute. The Full Squad: Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers); Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland) Defenders: Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars); Benjamin Francis (Heartland); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars); Ezekiel Bassey (Lobi Stars); Umar Zango (Kano Pillars); Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars); Chibuzor Okonkwo (Enugu Rangers) Midfielders: Sunday Mba (Rangers); Ayo Saka (Enyimba); Olufemi Oladapo (3SC); Emeka Eze (Enugu Rangers); Mohammed Ajia (Bayelsa United) Forwards: Muhammad Gambo (Kano Pillars); Obinna Nwachukwu (Heartland); Gomo Onduku (Bayelsa United); Ifeanyi Ede (Enyimba); Anthony Okputu (Lobi); Pius Samson (Ranch Bees); Festus Ajah (Union Bank); Oghenekaro Etebo (Warri Wolves); Dele Olorundare (Sunshine Stars)

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This article was first published on 27th June 2013

arinzeude

Arinze Ude is a PhD Student at the University of the West of England Bristol, UK, where he's exploring on the mechanisms of donor cell leukaemia. He shares his deep thoughts on his blog and the Naked Convos. He is keen to promote personal development of the Nigerian youth via thought-provoking articles.