Nigeria coach, Stephen Keshi has made public his 23-man party for the World Cup kicking off in 9 days time.
Recalled senior members of the team, Joseph Yobo and Osaze Odemwingie made the list. Yobo will feature in his third World Cup and has a chance of making history as the first Nigerian to have a century of international caps to his name.
Goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, who is on his heels on the international caps table, is also in the team and is expected to be number one in Brazil after an impressive season with Lille Metropole in France Le Championnat where he was named goalkeeper of the year. Fellow keeper, Austin Ejide who suspiciously pushed the ball into his own net in Nigeria’s last friendly against Scotland also made the cut.
The midfield comprises of stalwart, John Mikel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi. Mikel is set to feature in his first World Cup for the African Champions after missing the 2006 and 2010 editions through injury.
However, there was no space in team for 2013 South Africa hero, Sunday Mba, 2014 CHAN Most Valuable player Ejike Uzoenyi, Obinna Nsofor, Nosa Igiebor, Daniel Akpeyi, fleet-footed midfielder Joel Obi and hat-trick hero Nnamdi Oduamadi.
Nigeria’s Final SquadGOALKEEPERS: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim
DEFENDERS: Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe Ambrose, Kunle Odunlami
MIDFIELDERS: John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Michael Uchebo, Reuben Gabriel
FORWARDS: Osaze Odemwingie, Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Michael Babatunde, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor
What do you think about the squad? Are you disappointed/happy? Have your say.
