Nigeria started counting down to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (South Africa 2013) this afternoon with Super Eagles manager Stephen Keshi inviting the first set of players to camp. The 23 home-based players and holidaying Norway-based midfielder, Fegor Ogude, will report to camp in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, this Sunday, December 16, according to the team’s Media Officer, Ben Alaiya.

Alaiya in a statement disclosed that training will effectively start next Monday. The list of foreign based players is expected to be named in the week leading to Christmas, while the team is expected to travel by December 27 for the final phase of its camping in Faro, Portugal.

With this story, News Express has kick-started its countdown to the Nations Cup. Football lovers are invited to check out News Express every day for daily updates on the approaching “African World Cup” holding January 19 to February 10.

THE INVITED PLAYERS
Goalkeepers
Agbim Chigozie (Seen in photo) (Enugu Rangers)
Akpeyi Daniel (Heartland)
Femi Thomas (Enyimba)

Defenders
Oboabona Godfrey (Sunshine Stars)
Egwuekwe Azubuike (Warri Wolves)
Zango Umar (Kano Pillars)

Benjamin Francis (Heartland)

Papa Idris (Kano Pillars)
Kwambe Solomon (Sunshine Stars)

Kalu Orji (Heartland)

Midfielders and forwards
Uzoenyi Ejike (Rangers)

Mba Sunday (Rangers)

Sunday Chinedu (Rangers)

Henry Uche (Enyimba)

Onduku Gomo (Sharks)

Ubale Mannir (Kano Pillars)
Reuben Gabriel (Kano Pillars)
Asuquo Philip (3SC, Ibadan)
Emeka Ezeh (Rangers)

Pius Samson (Ranchers Bees)

Gambo Mohammed (Kano Pillars)

Bunde Moses (Lobi Stars)

Anthony Okputu (Lobi Stars)

Fegor Ogude (Valerenga FC, Norway)