The Super Eagles’ 23-man final list for the 2014 FIFA World Cup billed has been received with mixed reaction by Nigerians
CHAN 2014 MVP, Ejike Uzoenyi and 2013 Nations Cup hero, Sunday Mba were visibly absent from the list announced by the Super Eagles gaffer, Stephen Keshi when he finally made the squad known after filing same with FIFA on June 2, which was the deadline.
A total of seven players were dropped out of the provincial 30-man list made available before the team played a 2-2 draw with Scotland in a friendly played shortly before they jetted out to the USA to commence camping.
Though comeback striker/winger, Osaze Odemwingie secured a place in the team, midfielder, Joel Obi was also sent packing, Nigeria’s CHAN goalkeeper, Chigozie Agbim who many feel has no business being in the team, made the list. The list comprises seven strikers, three goalkeepers, five midfielders and eight defenders.
In the full squad, strikers, Osaze Odemwingie, Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Babatunde Michael, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor will be on for the Super Eagles.
Goalkeepers who will protect Nigeria’s goal at the mundial are veteran, Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim.
The midfielders are Ogenyi Onazi, Reuben Gabriel, Ramon Azeez, Michael Uchebo and Mikel Obi.
Eagles’ captain Joseph Yobo, who hopes to play his 100th cap for Nigeria at the World Cup leads the defenders list, with Elderson Echiejile, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona,, Efe Ambrose and Kunle Odunlami.
While some people interviewed believed that the squad could win the World Cup, others were of the view that they will be in Brazil for a tea-party.
President of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), Bitrus Bewarang who spoke to NAN was optimistic that the team could lift the trophy.
But for Assistant Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) he was disappointment about the choice of the reserve goal keepers.
He described the choice of Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim as unhealthy from the onset.