Nigeria Name Squad For South Africa Friendly

Nigeria's next fixture against South Africa will be more than a friendly as Super Eagles gaffer Stephen Keshi has named his strongest squad for the trip to Durban in honor of one of Africa's iconic figures, Nelson Mandela.

The most eye-catching of the list of invited players must be Lokomotiv Moscow striker Victor Obinna, who has not defended the green and white jersey for close to two years.

Also returning to the squad are experienced Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi , Afcon top scorer Emmanuel Emenike and Chelsea's Victor Moses, who were not included in the Confederations Cup roster.

As rightly mooted in the media, VVV Venlo striker Uche Nwofor could make his international debut as he is one of the strikers listed.

Apart from the omission of Lille custodian Vincent Enyeama, the squad picks itself.

Usually, August is not a friendly date to host exhibition matches involving national teams as the leagues in Europe are about to kick off and clubs are reluctant to release their important players.

The Nigeria Federation in its wisdom was aware of that fact and decided to place some fringe players including Sarpsborg 08 new boy Aaron Samuel on standby, just in case there are sudden withdrawals.

Squad To Face South Africa

Goalkeepers: Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel), Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers)

Defenders: Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea, England); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland), Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal)

Midfielders: Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Fegor Ogude (Valerenga FC, Norway), Victor Moses (Chelsea, England); John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal), Eddy Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy), Nnamdi Oduamadi (AC Milan, Italy); Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England), Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow, Russia); Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia), Uche Nwofor (VVV Venlo, Netherlands)

Standby
Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars), Benjamin Francis (Heartland), Muhammad Gambo (Kano Pillars), Samuel Aaron (Sarpsborg ‘08 , Norway)