adminABUJA. — The trio of Sunday Mba, Nosa Igiebor and Ejike Uzoenyi have been left out of the Nigerian squad to the 2014 World Cup soccer finals.
According to a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation announcing the final 23-man squad, Warri Wolves goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi as well as Joel Obi, Obinna Nsofor and Nnamdi Oduamadi were also dropped by the Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi.
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.
“Defender Joseph 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.
“Also going to their third World Cup are goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide, but midfield strongman John Mikel Obi will only be attending his first finals after Nigeria narrowly missed Germany 2006 and he was omitted from South Africa 2010 due to injury.
“Former junior international defender Elderson Echiejile and Olympic silver medalist Osaze Odemwingie, who were also in South Africa four years ago, make the cut for the biggest showpiece in football, starting in 10 days’ time.
“2013 Africa Cup of Nations top scorer Emmanuel Emenike is joined in the attack by England-based duo of Victor Moses and Shola Ameobi, and former junior international Uche Nwofor, but there is no place for Olympic silver medalist Obinna Nsofor and nimble-footed Nnamdi Oduamadi.
“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 statement from the Nigerian football apex body revealed three minutes before midnight local time on Monday.
The African champions will begin their World Cup campaign in Brazil against Iran on June 16. — AFP.
Online Reporter