Brazil 2014: Nigeria Picks Yobo, Osaze, 21 Others; Drops Nsofor, Mba-PREMIUM TIMES

Nigeria’s captain, Joseph Yobo, will play in his third FIFA World Cup finals and has the opportunity to become Nigeria’s first ever player to have 100 international caps after he was named in the African champions’ final list of 23 for Brazil 2014.

 Also going to their third World Cup are goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide. Midfield anchorman, John Mikel Obi, will only be attending his first finals after Nigeria narrowly missed qualifying for Germany 2006 and he was omitted from South Africa 2010 due to injury.   Former junior international defender, Elderson Echiejile, and Olympic silver medalist, Osaze Odemwingie, who were also in South Africa four years ago, make the cut for the biggest showpiece in football, which starts on June 12.   The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations top scorer, Emmanuel Emenike, is joined in the attack by England-based duo of Victor Moses and Shola Ameobi, as well as former junior international, Uche Nwofor. But there is no place for Olympic silver medalist, Obinna Nsofor, and nimble–footed Nnamdi Oduamadi.   Home based goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi; ex-Inter Milan midfielder, Joel Obi; South Africa 2013 hero, Sunday Mba; former U-23 star, Nosa Igiebor; and 2014 CHAN most valuable player, Ejike Uzoenyi; also miss out on the trip to South America.   NIGERIA’S FINAL 23 FOR BRAZIL 2014   GOALKEEPERS: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim   DEFENDERS: Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe Ambrose, Kunle Odunlami   MIDFIELDERS: John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Michael Uchebo, Reuben Gabriel   FORWARDS: Osaze Odemwingie, Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Babatunde Michael, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor  Source: Saharareporters