Stephen Kesi is already hard at work to prepare for the final game of the 2014 World Cup playoffs next month against Malawi. The coach of Nigeria on Tuesday unveiled two preselections of players from the local league and outside to compose his workforce.
Note the return of Vincent Enyeama allowed to rest the week for the Nelson Mandela Challenge against South Africa. The double scorer of this meeting Uche Hwofor is present as the defender of Real Betis author of a good match in the opening match in la Liga past weekend, Nosa Igiebor.
Among the 24 players evolving in NPPL, only 5 will be added to the 18 expatriates. With 9 points, the Super Eagles should just avoid defeat against the Flames to reach the qualifying for these playoffs. Meanwhile, FIFA rejected the request of Malawi not to play that meeting in Calabar, citing security risks.
Local screening
Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers) Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland)
Defenders: Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars) Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars) Umar Zango (Kano Pillars), Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC) Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars) Chibuzor Okonkwo (Enugu Rangers) , Yinka Adedeji (Sharks FC) Ganiyu Ogungbe (Kwara United)
Midfielders: Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers) Solomon Jabason (Akwa United), Olufemi Oladapo (Shooting Stars) Etebo Oghene (Warri Wolves), Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars) Moses Orkuma (Lobi Stars)
Strikers: Muhammad Gambo (Kano Pillars) Ifeanyi Edeh (Enyimba FC) Mbah Ezekiel (Akwa United) Barnabas Imenger (Lobi Stars), Izu Azuka (Sunshine Stars) Dimgba Stanley (Kwara United) Osadaiye Joseph (Warri Wolves)
European Preselection
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)
Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal), Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland), James Okwuosa (Chippa United, South Africa)
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England); Fegor Ogude (Valerenga FC, Norway), John Ogu (Academica Coimbra, Portugal), Victor Moses (Chelsea, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Nnamdi Oduamadi (AC Milan, Italy) Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain)
Strikers: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England), Emmanuel Emenike (FC Fenerbahce, Turkey); Nsofor Obinna (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia), Uche Nwofor ( VVV Venlo, Netherlands)