African champions Nigeria embark on Friday on a hectic schedule with a friendly against fellow Confederations Cup qualifiers Mexico in Texan city Houston.
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The injury-ravaged Super Eagles will play six matches within 24 days on three continents, and a further two if they reach the knockout stage of the World Cup dress-rehearsal.
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Chelsea midfielder Victor Moses, a revelation when Nigeria won the Africa Cup of Nations in Soweto last February, is among those sidelined.
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Spartak Moscow striker Emmanuel Emenike, joint leading 2013 Cup of Nations scorer with Mubarak Wakaso of Ghana, also misses out through injury. Scotland-based midfield enforcer Gabriel Reuben and Turkey-based midfielder-cum-striker Kalu Uche are other stars coach Stephen Keshi could not call up.
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Keshi prepared to tackle Mexico with a training camp in Germany for foreign-based professionals and Nigerian Premier League stars.
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Among the home-based footballers was Sunday Mba, the then Warri Wolves midfielder who sprang to prominence at the three-week Cup of Nations tournament.
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Mba scored the winner in a shock quarterfinals triumph over pre-competition favourites Ivory Coast and the only goal of the final against surprise qualifiers Burkina Faso.
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After facing Mexico – a team hoping to halt a run of five consecutive draws – Nigeria head back over the Atlantic Ocean for a World Cup qualifier in Kenya.
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A week after the June 5 Nairobi match, the Super Eagles will be on the other side of Africa in Windhoek for another World Cup Group F fixture against Namibia.