AFCON 2017 qualifiers: Keshi invites 26 home-based players for Chad encounter

Stephen Keshi, the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, on Thursday in Abuja released a list of 26 home-based players for the team’s camp scheduled to open on May 19.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the camp is to kick-start the team’s preparations for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad.

A statement posted on the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) website said the invited players are expected to report at the team’s camp at Bolton Hotel Apartments in Wuse, Abuja.
The familiar faces among the invitees are goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi of Warri Wolves, and the duo of Solomon Kwambe and Azubuike Egwuekwe who are Warri Wolves FC defenders.

Kano Pillars’ midfielder Rabiu Ali is also making a return, while other regulars are defenders Chibuzor Okonkwo of Gabros International FC of Nnewi and Kunle Odunlami of Sunshine Stars of Akure.
However, Idris Aloma of Enyimba International FC of Aba, Chima Akas of Sharks FC and Nelson Ogbonnaya of Heartland FC are newcomers to the senior national team.

Chinedu Udoji, the captain of Enyimba FC and Samuel Olabisi of FC Taraba are the other new defenders invited to the team.
Goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa of Sunshine Stars and Chidiebere Eze of Gabros are also new in the team.
Nathaniel Joseph of Sharks FC, Michael Egbeta of Warri Wolves, Igbinosa Esosa of Nasarawa United, Moses Ekpai of Kano Pillars and Henlong Charles of Giwa FC also made the list.
The forward line has regulars like Mfon Udoh of Enyimba FC, Gbolahan Salami of Warri Wolves and Ezekiel Mbah of Kano Pillars.
Ibrahim Shaibu of Giwa FC, Joe Omale of Dekina Dragons, Stanley Dimgba of Warri Wolves, Onoriode Odah of Rangers International and Azeez Shobowale and Kano Pillars were also called up.
The statement also named El-Kanemi Warriors chief coach Salisu Yusuf and Ike Shorounmu as the Super Eagles’ Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper Trainer respectively.(NAN)