Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hero Sunday Mba and out-of-favour marksman Ike Uche have been left out of the Super Eagles squad by Head Coach Stephen Keshi despite currently being on top of their game. Mba has been banging in goals for French side CA Bastia while Uche, one of the Eagles’ greatest scorers of all time, has been doing the same for Spanish giants Villarreal.

That notwithstanding, both players are conspicuously missing from the list of invitees released yesterday by Keshi for the international friendly against Mexico coming up in Atlanta, USA, on Wednesday, March 5. Reserve goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, who was recently released by Rangers International of Enugu for not always being available due to national assignment, is also not invited.

Skipper Joseph Yobo, now on loan with English Premiership side Norwich City from Fenerbahce FC of Turkey, is in the squad of 23, thus ending his exile after the South Africa 2013 AFCON won a year ago by Nigeria.

Four members of the home Super Eagles that won bronze at the recently concluded African Nations Championship (CHAN) were invited by Keshi. They include the Most Valuable Player Ejike Uzoenyi of Rangers International, midfielder Shehu Abdullahi of Kano Pillars, centre-back Kunle Odunlami of Sunshine Stars, and defender Azubuike Egwuekwe, a Super Eagles regular.

FULLLIST OF INVITEES:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel).

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Joseph Yobo (Norwich City, England); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars).

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Shehu Abdullahi (Kano Pillars); Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Victor Moses (Liverpool FC, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona, Italy); Bright Dike (Toronto FC, Canada), Imoh Ezekiel (Standard Liege, Belgium); Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium).

•Photo shows Sunday Mba.

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