Keshi names 25 for Ethiopia, Italy
By Humphrey Njoku
Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi has invited 25 players to prosecute the World Cup play-offs reverse fixture against Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia as well as the friendly tie against Italy in London.
First comes the 2014 Fifa World Cup final qualifying match against the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar on Saturday, November 16 and two days later the African champions take on four-time world champions Italy at the Craven Cottage ground of English Premiership club, Fulham FC in a high-profile friendly in London.
Keshi called back brilliant young defender, Kenneth Omeruo, a key component of his 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winning squad as well as the rugged and attack-minded midfielder, Reuben Gabriel.
Both men were out injured for months. Omeruo dislocated a troubled shoulder at the Fifa Confederations Cup in Brazil in the summer while Gabriel will be happy to be fully fit after sitting on the bench all through the Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Stand-in skipper Vincent Enyeama is called alongside goalkeepers, Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim while South Africa-based defender, James Okwuosa and strikers, Obinna Nsofor and Uche Nwofor also kept their places. The list also includes Africa Cup of Nations top scorer and two-goal hero in Addis Ababa, Emmanuel Emenike.
Eagles lead the Walya Antelopes 2-1 from the first leg in Addis Ababa on October 13.
All the players are expected in Calabar on Monday, November, 11.
The full list:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel), Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria).
Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal), Benjamin Francis (Heartland, Nigeria), Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland), Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria), Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria), James Okwuosa (Chippa United, South Africa), Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea FC, England)
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England), Victor Moses (Liverpool FC, England), John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal), Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy), Nnamdi Oduamadi (Brescia Calcio 1911, Italy), Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain), Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria), Reuben Gabriel (Kilmarnock FC, Scotland)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey), Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia), Uche Nwofor (SC Heerenveen, The Netherlands)
Source: Supersport.com
