Liberia looms as Keshi returns




by George Akpayen 03 February 2012, 15:48


Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi is expected to be back at his duty post next week.

The Super Eagles' coach is currently working as a TV analyst at the Africa Cup of Nations alongside one of his assistants, Dan Amokachi.

Keshi, 49, has picked February 5 as the opening day for the camping of the Nigerian squad.

The former coach of Togo had to break off a camp schedule he ran with local-based players in order to be part of SuperSport's panel of analysts for the 2012 Afcon, which is still ongoing.

The camp in Abuja was held throughout the month of December in preparation for the 2013 Afcon qualification against Rwanda on February 29.

Keshi has already called up 30 players as part of the Super Eagles' preparation for the first leg clash with the Amavubi of Rwanda.

But before the trip to Kigali, Keshi's men will face Liberia in an international friendly on February 15.

The Nigerian manager has called up three goalkeepers, eight defenders, 11 midfielders and eight strikers.

More than 50 percent of the 30 players invited featured in the pre-Afcon friendly match against Angola, which ended goalless in Abuja on January 11.

THE SQUAD LIST:

GOALKEEPERS: Chigozie Agbim (Warri Wolves), Okemute Odah (Sharks), Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland)

DEFENDERS: Juwon Oshaniwa (Sharks), Osasco Omomo (Sunshine Stars), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars), Gbenga Arokoyo (Kwara United), Uche Oguchi (Heartland), Ahmed Adesope (3SC), Papa Idris (Kano Pillars)

MIDFIELDERS: Uche Ossai (Warri Wolves), Kola Anubi (Sharks), Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers), Bartholomew Ibenegbu (Heartland), Kingsley Salami (Heartland), Stanley Ohawuchi (Heartland), Reuben Gabriel (Kano Pillars), Henry Uche (Enyimba), Solomon Jabason (Akwa United), Chidi Osuchukwu (Dolphins), Daniel Etor (Niger Tornadoes)

STRIKERS: Sunday Emmanuel (Enyimba), Sunday Mba (Warri Wolves), Jude Aneke (Warri Wolves), Izu Azuka (Sunshine Stars), Barnabas Imenger (Kwara Utd), Kabiru Umar (Heartland), Uche Kalu (Enyimba), Ifeanyi Ede (Enyimba).