By Albert Akota
The Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, has led five home-based players to London yesterday morning to kick-start Nigeria’s preparation for the 2014 World Cup.
The ‘Big Boss’ alongside Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Ejike Uzoenyi, Kunle Odunlami and Daniel Akpeyi have been issued their UK visas and will make the trip in time to start preparation for the international friendly with Scotland at Fulham’s Craven Cottage ground on May 28.
Ogenyi Onazi and Efe Ambrose, who were both in the country since last week, will link up with the squad same day as Keshi will look to run the rule over the squad.
The other members of the squad are expected to be on ground before May 26, even though some members of the team are already at the team’s hotel waiting for the arrival of the coaching crew.
Nigeria will depart for the United States after the Scotland friendly for more test matches arranged for them as Keshi will look to prune down the squad before Fifa’s June 2 deadline.
The Super Eagles will start their 2014 Fifa World Cup campaign when they meet Iran in a Group F game on June 16 in Fortaleza. Argentina and Bosnia- Herzegovina are the other countries in the group.
Nigeria’s provisional list:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim, Daniel Akpeyi
Defenders: Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Joseph Yobo, Kunle Odunlami, Efe Ambrose
Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Joel Obi, Nosa Igiebor, Michael Uchebo, Ejike Uzoenyi, Sunday Mba, Reuben Gabriel
Forwards: Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Obinna Nsofor, Osaze Odemwingie, Babatunde Michael, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor, Nnamdi Oduamadi
