Keshi announces strong squad for CHAN qualifiers – See 23-man list

Stephen Keshi has announced a strong squad, ahead of Nigeria’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against Cote d’Ivoire, as the country tries to qualify for its first ever competition.

The list contains eight players who were at the Confederations Cup in Brazil and mostly home-based players. The game will be played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna on July 6.

“We are happy for the favourable response from the Kaduna State Government, and we have also approached the National Sports Commission for permission to use the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna for the encounter,” Barrister Musa Amadu, NFF General Secretary said.

“The grass is excellent and the entire facility is well maintained. The Super Eagles will find the place comfortable.”

LIST OF INVITED PLAYERS:

Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Warri Wolves); Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland FC)

Defenders: Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars); Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars); Ezekiel Bassey (Lobi Stars); Umar Zango (Kano Pillars); Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars); Chibuzor Okonkwo (Enugu Rangers)

Midfielders: Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers); Ayo Saka (Enyimba FC); Olufemi Oladapo (3SC); Emeka Eze (Enugu Rangers); Mohammed Ajia (Bayelsa United)

Forwards: Muhammad Gambo (Kano Pillars); Obinna Nwachukwu (Heartland FC); Gomo Onduku (Bayelsa United); Ifeanyi Edeh (Enyimba FC); Anthony Okputu (Lobi Stars); Pius Samson (Ranch Bees); Festus Ajah (Union Bank); Etebo Oghene (Warri Wolves); Dele Olorundare (Sunshine Stars)