World Cup list: Uche misses out; Yobo, Odemigwe in

Ike Uche’s acrobatic goal celebrations will not be seen at this year’s World Cup after the Villarreal striker failed to make Nigerian coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi’s 30-man shortlist for the finals in Brazil.

Norwich City defender Joseph Yobo, who has not played for the national team for over a year, and in-form Stoke City striker Peter Odemwingie both made it into the preliminary squad.

Odemwingie fell out with the coach after being left out from last year’s African Nations Cup squad but his inclusion in Tuesday’s squad suggested he had ended his feud with Keshi.

Keshi said the final 23-man list will be announced on June 2.

Nigeria are expected to play a friendly against Scotland later this month before travelling to the United States to complete their final preparations for the June 12-July 13 tournament.

Nigeria will play Argentina, Bosnia and Iran in Group F during the World Cup.

Squad:
Goalkeepers – Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim, Daniel Akpeyi

Defenders – Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Joseph Yobo, Kunle Odunlami, Efe Ambrose

Midfielders – John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Joel Obi, Nosa Igiebor, Michael Uchebo, Ejike Uzoenyi, Sunday Mba, Reuben Gabriel

Forwards – Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Obinna Nsofor, Peter Odemwingie, Babatunde Michael, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor, Nnamdi Oduamadi.

happy wheels