Stephen Keshi’s 25-man squad for the ‘crucial’ Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying showdown against the Red Devils of Congo Brazzaville will start arriving the Bolton White Apartments camp in Abuja from Sunday, November 9 (today).
Keshi has already called up the 25 players for the must-win AFCON qualifying matches against the Red Devils on November 15 and Bafana Bafana of South Africa on November 19.
For Nigeria to make it to Morocco 2015, the Super Eagles must win the remaining two games; away against Congo and at home against South Africa. That will give the defending champions 10 points and a likely place as runners-up or the best third-placed team in the series.
Spain-based striker, Ikechukwu Uche, is called for the first time in nearly two years, and there is also a first senior team opportunity for Nasarawa United midfielder, Tony Edjomari.
Home-based defender, Solomon Kwambe, also returns, and Aaron Samuel (who got one of the goals against Sudan), Hope Akpan, Sunday Emmanuel and Emem Eduok, have further chances after being called for the matches against the Falcons of Sudan.
Skipper and goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama; defenders, Godfrey Oboabona and Elderson Echiejile; midfielders, Ogenyi Onazi and Mikel Obi; and forwards, Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike and Babatunde Michael are also invited.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fixed the November 15 crucial match for Pointe Noire by 3.30pm Congo time, which will be 2.30pm in Nigeria.
CAF already has named Egyptian, Ghead Grisha, as Centre Referee for Pointe Noire cracker.
Grisha will be assisted by compatriots, Tahssen Bedyer (Assistant Referee 1), Ahmed Elela (Assistant Referee 2) and Mahmoud Ashor (Reserve Referee) during the match in Congo’s Atlantic City.
The African football ruling body also named Aboubakar Konate from Cameroon as Commissioner, while Moroccan, Naciri Abdelali, will be Security Officer.
