Nigeria - Coach Samson Siasia has unveiled a 24-man list of players that will tackle Ethiopia later this month in Abuja with Birmingham FC of England on-loan striker Obafemi Martins making a late entry in a squad that saw the gradual weeding off of the older members of 2010 World Cup team. The list which has two home based players in Warri Wolves defender Chibuzo Okonkwo and Ekigho Ehiosun saw the return of Victor Anichebe, Solomon Okoronkwo and Beijing Olympics star, Ambrose Efe.

The regulars include AIT football Award winner, Vincent Enyeama, Dele Aiyenugba, defenders Joseph Yobo, Taye Taiwo, Olubayo Adefemi, Elderson Chiejile and Dele Adeleye.

Chelsea's Mikel Obi is leading a packed midfield that include new Eagles sensation Joel Obi, Obiora Nwankwo, Kalu Uche, Fegor Ogunde and Nnamdi Oduamadi who plies his trade at AC Milan.

The competition is expected to be intense in the attack which also has the likes of Peter Utaka,Obinna Nsofor Ahmed Musa and Osaze Odemwegie.

Explaining why players like Chidi Odiah were drooped from squad, Siasia noted that the team is going throw a rebuilding process requiring the services of a new set of players.

"Right now we don't have a team, we are trying to rebuild and maybe with time some of the older players may still come in but right now we want to bring in players that will play the way we want them to play," he explained.

Tony Ezimakor

Daily Independent/11/03/2011