Keshi Names 24 Players For CHAN Qualifier Against Ivory Coast.

Stephen Keshi.
Stephen Keshi.

Super Eagles head coach Stephen Keshi has named 24 players for the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against Ivory Coast.

Seven members of the squad to the 2013 Confederations Cup were selected. The Squad is made up of two goalkeepers, five midfielders and nine strikers.

The African Nations Championship is a football tournament which was first announced on September 11, 2007.

It is played between the best national teams in Africa, exclusively featuring players who are active in the national championships and qualified to play in the ongoing season. Expatriate players, regardless of where they play, even in Africa, may not qualify to take part in the competition.

Keshi had earlier hinted that the game will be taken seriously while he fielded questions in Fortaleza, Brazil, following Nigeria’s ouster from the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

“We would go back home take a few days rest and prepare for our CHAN qualifiers against Ivory coast in the coming days and hopefully we should be able to make it through,” Keshi said.

The game against the Elephants of Ivory Coast comes up on Saturday, July 6 in Kaduna.

The squad:

Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers); Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland)

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

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

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