In May, Nigeria announced a provisional squad composed of 30 players ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The large list includes expected names like Emmanuel Emenike, top scorer for last year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
However, the same list failed to include prestigious names as well, some inexplicably. In fact, Nigeria’s manager Stephen Keshi, left home some of the country’s most talented stars.
Amongst the notable absentees, Villareal’s Ikechukwu Uche, which raised some eyebrows. Another renowned absentee is Seattle Sounder’s striker, Obafemi Martins. This is especially strange considering Martins’ positive season, his international career, and the fact that Nigeria's boss named 10 strikers on the provisional list.
Considering that Nigeria's group includes teams like Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Iran, supporters of the African champions are weary of Keshi's choices but hope for the best.
Nigeria's less than friendly group at the 2014 World Cup
Nigeria's provisional squad:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Daniel Akpeyi, Chigozie Agbim.
Defenders: Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Juwon Oshaniwa, Joseph Yobo, Kunle Odunlami.
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi, Ramon Azeez, Ogenyi Onazi, Joel Obi, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Ejike Uzoenyi, Nosa Igiebor, Sunday Mba, Reuben Gabriel, Michael Babatunde.
Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Obinna, Osaze Odemwingie, Michael Uchebo, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor.
Nigeria's final 23:
Daniel Akpeyi, Joel Obi, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Ejike Uzoenyi, Nosa Igiebor, Sunday Mba, and Victor Obinna did not make the final 23-man squad that will represent Nigeria at the 2014 World Cup.
