In keeping with his promise to inject some fresh faces into his African Nations Championship squad, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has called up four new players.
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Kwara United's former junior international defender Ganiyu Ogungbe, Kano Pillars' midfielder Rabiu Mohammed, junior international striker Abdullahi Gero of Enugu Rangers and Osadinye Joseph of Warri Wolves are the new invitees.
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Ace playmaker Sunday Mba, who scored two goals and made two others in the commanding 4-1 win, tops the list that also includes goalkeeper and skipper Chigozie Agbim, defenders Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe and Chibuzor Okonkwo, as well as midfielders Olufemi Oladapo and Ayo Saka, and forwards Muhammad Gambo, Ifeanyi Edeh and Dele Olorundare.
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Having never previously qualified for the African Nations Championship – the flagship tournament for players plying their trade in their country's domestic League in the continent – Nigeria has a firm leg in next year's finals in South Africa, and Coach Keshi has promised there would be no room for the Ivorians to attempt a spectacular come-back in the return leg at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on July 27.
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All the players are expected to report in Abuja on Monday, July 15.
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Only 20 players will make the trip to Cote d'Ivoire's industrial and economic capital on July 24.
Stephen Keshi has done the right thing by taking this step cos I believe it would yield positive result. We need new faces.