Nigeria announce final Afcon squad of 23 players

Nigeria announced their final Africa Cup of Nations squad on Wednesday ahead of the international friendly against Cape Verde.

There was nothing strange in the squad as Keshi kept faith with many of the players that played in the final Afcon qualifier against Liberia in October 2012.

However, notably missing from the squad is new sensation Bright Dike who scored in the 1-1 draw against Catalonia on January 2.

Stephen Keshi's squad consists of six players based in the Nigeria Premier League, a bold attempt to give locally based players a greater sense of belonging in the national side. The remaining players are based abroad.

Chelsea duo John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses make the team as well as forwards Ikechukwu Uche, Ahmed Musa, Brown Ideye and Emmanuel Emenike.

In defence, captain Joseph Yobo leads the side as well as Efe Ambrose, Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa and youngster Kenneth Omeruo who broke into the side after making his debut in the game against Catalonia.

Midfielders are Obiorah Nwankwo, Ogenyi Onazi, Nosa Igiebor and Fegor Ogude as well as goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide.

The players from the Nigerian league are goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, defenders Azubuike Egwueke, Godfey Oboabona, midfielder Reuben Gabriel and forwards Ejike Uzoenyi and Sunday Mba.

Nigeria are drawn in Group C and they will start their campaign against Burkina Faso on January 21. Other group opponents are Zambia and Ethiopia.