18th March, 2013
South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations’ hero, Sunday Mba will be leading eight other home-based players to join the rest of professional players for this weekend’s World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Calabar, Cross River State.
Mba, who has been a subject of controversy between two Nigeria Professional Football League clubs, Rangers of Enugu and Warri Wolves, topped the list of nine home-based Eagles selected out of 24 players invited by Chief Coach Stephen Keshi for camping ahead of the crucial Brazil 2014 qualifier against the Harambee Stars of Kenya, a match that will be the first competitive game of the Eagles after their Nations Cup triumph.
Meanwhile, Fegor Ogude has joined the Eagles camp today. Spokesman of the team, Ben Alaiya, said Valerenga of Norway midfielder joined the nine home-based players picked for the clash as they depart for Calabar Monday.
“Fegor Ogude is in town already as the first foreign-based player to arrive the Eagles camp for the Kenya match. He will travel to Calabar with the nine home-based stars,” Alaiya said.
Obinna Nwachukwu from Heartland is the only surprise inclusion from the local league as he has been nursing a long-term injury after he had forced his way into the national team.
—Taiwo Adelu