The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that Celtic defender Efe Ambrose is not eligible to play in next week's World Cup qualifier against Kenya.
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The right-back was outstanding at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations last month, making the tournament's best XI, and he was invited for the March 23 clash in Calabar by coach Stephen Keshi.
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But it emerged yesterday that the former Kaduna United player has been suspended for the match due to an accumulation of yellow cards from previous games.
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Nigeria Football Federation spokesman Demola Olajire confirmed yesterday that the former Flying Eagles star will not be involved on March 23.
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"Scotland-based defender Efe Ambrose will not be part of the contingent (for the Kenya match) as he is on suspension as a result of accumulated yellow cards from previous World Cup qualifying matches," Olajire (an Assistant Director in the NFF) wrote in a press release.
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"Ambrose got a yellow card against Namibia in Calabar in June last year and was also yellow-carded in the game away to Malawi in Blantyre same month."
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Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will fly into Calabar, Cross River State capital on Monday for their final preparations ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Kenya's Harambee Stars.
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Coach Stephen Keshi has been working with 24 home boys in Abuja since Tuesday, with the overseas- based legion expected to hit town this weekend.
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A selection of the home boys and the Europe-based contingent will make the trip to Canaan City, where the African champions will be lodged at Transcorp Hotels, formerly Metropolitan Hotel.
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FIFA has appointed Botswanan official Joshua Bondo to take charge of the big match, from which the Super Eagles need the three points to solidify their leadership of Group F.
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Officials confirmed on Thursday that Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke (CON), will be presented with the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in his office on the evening of Thursday, 21st March. NFF President Aminu Maigari will lead the Super Eagles delegation to the Government House.
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It has also been confirmed that following assurance of security by the Cross River State Government, the trophy will be on display at the UJ Esuene Stadium for the duration of the World Cup qualifying match.
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Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, will join Governor Imoke, Kenya's High Commissioner to Nigeria, Head of the Kenyan Delegation and other dignitaries at the VVIP Box.
Efe will definately be missed in that game. He is a very experienced left back. Too bad for Super Eagles.