Oboabona putting Nigeria first

Super Eagles defender Oboabona putting Nigeria first

Godfrey Oboabona says he will do whatever it takes to help Nigeria reach the 2014 World Cup.

The Super Eagles meet Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on Sunday in the first leg of their qualifying play-off, with the Caykur Rizespor defender one of four national team players on a yellow card.

Godfrey Oboabona Turns Down a Trial at Arsenal

Defender Godfrey Oboabona has rejected the chance to join Arsenal – after manager Arsene Wenger invited the player for a trial with the Premier League side.

‘Arsenal’s management tell me to come for a trial when I won the African Nations Cup. I think I should be above such requests. It is high time some of these clubs started respecting Nigeria.’

The 22-year old versatile centre-back currently plays for Nigerian league side Sunshine Stars. He featured in this summer’s Confederations Cup, making three appearances.

Keshi invites 24 Nigeria league players for Kenyan qualifier

The Super Eagles will begin camping for the crucial qualification match on Sunday March 10 in Abuja

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has released a list of 24 players picked from the Nigeria Premier League that will form part of the squad to take on Kenya in a 2014 Fifa World Cup Brazil qualification game on March 23 in Calabar.

Africa Cup of Nations stars Sunday Mba and Godfrey Oboabona are among the players that will contest for a place in Keshi’s first game since the triumph in South Africa.

The players are expected to arrive camp in Abuja on Sunday March 10. They will stay at the Bolton White Apartments, their regular camping site.

Keshi also called up the three other players from the NPL that did not make any appearance at the Afcon. Goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, defender Azubuike Egwueke and midfielder Reuben Gabriel return to the squad despite not tasting action in South Africa.

The list of Europe-based players that will join the squad will be announced on Thursday, March 7.

NAME                          CLUB

Goalkeepers

Chigozie Agbim          Rangers

Daniel Akpeyi              Heartland

Dele Ajiboye                3SC

Defenders    

Azubuike Egwueke      Warri Wolves

Papa Idris                      Kano Pillars

Godfrey Oboabona      Sunshine Stars

Benjamin Francis         Heartland

Solomon Kwambe       Heartland

Chibuzor Okonkwo      Rangers

Ezekiel Bassey            Lobi Stars

Mohamed Zubaru        Niger Tornadoes

Umar Zango                 Kano Pillars

Midfielders & Forwards 

Reuben Gabriel           Kano Pillars

Gomo Ohanduku         Sharks

Mannir Ubale                Kano Pillars

Sunday Mba                 Warri Wolves

Gambo Muhammed    Kano Pillars           

Pius Samson               Ranchers Bees

Obinna Nwanchukwu  Heartland

Saka Ayo                     Enyimba

Jiya Muhammed          Bayelsa FC

Emeka Ezeh                Rangers

Anthony Okputu           Lobi Stars

Adepoju Taofeek        3SC