Nigeria Coach Stephen Keshi has announced the final 23 man squad to represent the country in the 2014 FIFA world cup.
Keshi made a few surprises in selection by dropping the likes of AFCON 2013 match winner Sunday Mba, Obinna Nsofor and CHAN 2013 Most Valuable Player Ejike Uzoenyi.Other players dropped includes Joel Obi and Nnamdi Oduamadi.
The reigning African champions will be making their fifth appearance at world football’s major showpiece and have been drawn in the same group with Argentina, Iran and Bosnia.
Keshi selected nine defenders, five midfielders and seven strikers as well as the mandatory three goalkeepers.
Expectedly Vincent Enyeama, John Obi Mikel, Emmanuel Emenike, Peter Odemwingie, Ogenyi Onazi, Austin Ejide, Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe Ambrose, Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi And Victor Moses are named in the 23-man roster.
Captain Joseph Yobo is also named in the squad as he will make a third appearance at the World Cup while he will hope to become the first Nigerian footballer to reach the 100-mark of international caps.
Only three players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) made the cut.
They are Warri Wolves defender, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kunle Odunlami of Sunshine Stars and Gombe United goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim.
Yobo will play in his third Fifa World Cup finals and have opportunity to become Nigeria’s first –ever century – international after he was named in the African champions’ final list of 23 for Brazil 2014.
Home-based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, dimunitive midfielder Joel Obi, South Africa 2013 hero Sunday Mba, former U-23 star Nosa Igiebor and 2014 CHAN most valuable player Ejike Uzoenyi also miss out on the trip to South America.
The African champions will begin their World Cup campaign in Brazil against Iran on 16 June.
AUTHOR : Paul Ojenge / Source