Finally, Stephen Keshi Unveils Nations Cup Squad

Finally, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has released the eagerly anticipated 23 - man roster for the African Cup of Nations billed to be staged in South Africa from January 19 - February 10.

Unlike previous African Cup of Nations, six players have been picked from the domestic championship. Nigeria vice - champions Enugu Rangers have contributed three players - goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim and strikers Ejike Uzoenyi and Sunday Mba. Sunshine Stars, Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars have one player each in the squad, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe and Reuben Gabriel respectively.

There are no major surprises in the squad named by the ex New Nigeria Bank libero. Adana Demirspor midfielder Raheem Lawal will have to wait until the next edition of the tournament in two years time before making his Nations Cup bow. The Turkey based player did not make the final cut.

Nigeria are in Group C alongside defending champions Zambia, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia. The Super Eagles played a goalless draw with Cape Verde in their final warm up game on Wednesday night.

Final Squad

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (SC Braga, Portugal); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, Turkey); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands); Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Obiora Nwankwo (Calcio Padova, Italy); Fegor Ogude (Valerenga FC, Norway); Gabriel Reuben(Kano Pillars, Nigeria)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa ( CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow, Russia); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria); Ikechukwu Uche (Villarreal FC, Spain); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)