Sunday 27 January 2013

SUPER EAGLES OR SUPER CHICKENS

WHAT WOULD YOU PREFER TO CALL THEM



Coach

Stephen Okechukwu Keshi (born January 23, 1962 in Lagos) is a former football defender from Nigeria.An important player for Nigeria, Keshi was captain of the squad for the 1994 FIFA World Cup and played in five different African Nations Cup tournaments, helping to win the 1994 African Nations Cup. His last club was Perlis FA in Malaysia. In 2000, a testimonial match was arranged for him in Lagos, Nigeria.




1. Vincent Enyeama

The Lille goalkeeper, currently on loan to Maccabi Tel Aviv of Israel, was born on August 29th 1982 in Kaduna. For 10 years he has been the longstanding first choice in goal for the Eagles, and is currently the team's vice-captain. A dependable goal tender for the national side.



2. Joseph Yobo

Born on September 6th 1980, centre back Joseph Yobo is Nigeria's captain. He is one of the team's oldest players and holds a record 89 caps for the Super Eagles. Currently playing for Fenerbache in Turkey's Super Lig.



3. Elderson Echiejile


The Braga left back Echiejile occupies the same position for the national side, his experience in Europe could be invaluable for the Super Eagles. Born on January 20th 1988, he played for Bendel Insurance of Benin before seeking his fortunes abroad.





4. Obiora Nwankwo

The former Nigerian U-23 national team midfielder has been laboring to command a starting place in the senior setup. The Parma player, currently on loan to Padova, was born on 12th July 1991 in Kaduna. He will hope to use the Afcon experience to secure a place in the first XI.



5. Efe Ambrose

Born October 18th 1988, Efe Ambrose has emerged as a bona fide member of Scottish side Celtic in the ongoing UEFA Champions League. His experience with the team could be invaluable to the Super Eagles at the Afcon.




6. Azubuike Egwuekwe

Born July 16th 1989, the Warri Wolves central defender has been a major revelation for the national side since Stephen Keshi's arrival. An option to play alongside Yobo in the heart of Nigeria's defense.




7. Ahmed Musa

The CSKA forward born 14th October 1992 in Jos, is one of the prolific strikers that Nigeria is banking on to excel at the 2013 Afcon in South Africa. The former VVV Venlo striker can play both as a right wing attacker, or at the point of the Super Eagles' attack.



8. Brown Ideye

Born 10th October 1988, Ideye has established himself as a first team player with Ukrainian side Dynamo Kiev. However, he needs to assert his role in the Eagles if he wishes to lay claims to a starting berth. Could the Afcon be the ideal place to do so?






9. Emmanuel Emenike

The bulky forward and powerful attacker was born on the 10th May 1987 and has made huge impact in the colours of Russian club Spartak Moscow. He is expected to help the Eagles to glory in South Africa, either from a starting berth or as an impact sub from the bench.





10. John Obi Mikel

The Chelsea midfielder has started playing impressively in the colours of the Super Eagles and fans expect him to lead the team to success in South Africa. Born on the 22nd of April 1987, Mikel has the talent to excel with the Eagles in Africa's centrepiece.



11. Victor Moses

Born on the 12th December 1990, Moses made his name with Wigan Athletic and Crystal Palace in England. His transfer to Chelsea has further developed the player, who has also starred in the Champions League. Despite being new to the international fold, he could make a big impact for Keshi's men at the Afcon.


12. Reuben Gabriel

The defensive midfielder was born on the 25th of September 1990. He has proved himself as a reliable performer in the domestic league after helping Kano Pillars to the Nigeria Premier League title. His influence has sadly been curtailed by injuries but if fully fit he could contribute a great deal to the Super Eagles' advance.



13. Fegor Ogude

Born 29th July 1987 and currently playing for VĂ„lerenga in the Norwegian Tippeligaen, Fegor Ogude is a versatile option for the Super Eagles, capable of playing in midfield or defence. He is expected to be a utility player in Stephen Keshi's Afcon squad.





14. Godfrey Oboabona

Born August 16th 1990, the Sunshine Stars captain and Super Eagles defender is poised to make the 2013 Afcon starting lineup based on his impressive performances so far for the Eagles. Capable of being one of the tournament's revelations, this could be a big year for the Akure-born star.



15. Ikechukwu Uche

Born 5th January 1984, Ikechukwu Uche has been pivotal to Super Eagles successes through his goalscoring for the team over the past four years. An in-form Ike could devastate any team on a good day. Nigeria will be counting on the Villarreal man's goals to prosper in South Africa.



16. Austin Ejide

Born in Onitsha, Anambra State on April 8th 1984. The big, strong goal-stopper has been an understudy for Vincent Enyeama in the national team for close to a decade. He came to prominence while playing for Gabros International Football Club in Nigeria and presently plays for Hapoel Be’er Sheba in Israel. Injury may jeopardise his Afcon tournament.



17. Ogenyi Onazi

The former Golden Eaglet was born on Christmas Day 1992 in Benue State, Nigeria. Since moving to Lazio in Italy, he has been transformed into a mature midfielder, capable of playing beyond his years. This talent has shown in his international performances to date. Capable of being one of the tournament's breakout stars.





18. Ejike Uzoenyi

Born March 23 1992 in Enugu, Ejike Uzoenyi has been one of a few bright prospects to emerge from the Nigerian league in recent ties. His dribbling runs from the left wing could trouble any team on a good day. Uzoenyi has the talent to explode in South Africa.




19. Sunday Mba

Born 28 November 1988, Sunday Mba impressed Keshi with his domestic performances, playing for Warri Wolves. Many were shocked when the boss favoured Mba over USA-based striker Bright Dike. He has pace and shooting ability which could be a useful option if called upon during the Cup of Nations.



20. Nosa Igiebor

Born on November 9th 1990, Igiebor has commanded a place in the starting XI after some impressive performances under Stephen Keshi. He joined Real Betis of Spain from Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel in August 2012. The midfielder is one of the lads that could shine at the Afcon.


21. Juwon Oshaniwa

The 20 year old former Port Harcourt Sharks left back recently joined Ashdod FC in Israel. He is going to serve as adequate back up for Elderson Echiejile in South Africa, and could also offer an option elsewhere in defence.



22. Kenneth Omeruo

Born 17th October 1993, Kenneth Omeruo plays for Eredivisie club ADO Den Haag as a defender on loan from Chelsea FC. He has impressed since joining the Super Eagles' camp ahead of the Afcon, and could be a useful option at right back. Demonstrated his dexterity in the recent friendly against Cape Verde.



23. Chigozie Agbim

Born November 28th 1984, Agbim got the opportunity to play for the Super Eagles while starring for Warri Wolves FC. He played his first international match for the Super Eagles in a friendly against Angola in January 2012. Currently playing for Enugu Rangers.


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