Super Eagles name strong squad
Chelsea’s Jon Obi Mikel, Everton’s Joseph Yobo, Portsmouth duo Kanu and John Utaka, Newcastle’s Obafemi Martins and Sunderland’s Dickson Etuhu have been named in Nigeria’s squad for this month’s international friendly meeting with Australia at Fulham’s Craven Cottage.
Watford defender Danny Shittu and Wolves midfielder Seyi Olofinjana have also been named in Berti Vogts’ squad for the match which will be played on November 19.
Nigeria are preparing for the African Cup of Nations campaign, which kicks-off against Ivory Coast in Ghana in January.
“This will be our penultimate game before the African Cup of Nations and having the game in London means we can call upon our strongest squad,” said former Germany and Scotland coach Vogts.
“We expect many thousands of Super Eagles fans will back us for this match to see such a team.”
The Socceroos will use the match to step-up preparations for the World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins in February, and are expected to field Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill and Lucas Neill.
Nigeria squad for international friendly match against Australia on November 17: Austin Ejide – Bastia (France), Dele Aiyenuga – Bnei Yehuda (Israel); Taiye Taiwo – Marseille (France), Obinna Nwanerri – Sion (Switzerland), Rabiu Afolabi - Sochaux (France), Danny Shittu – Watford, Joseph Yobo – Everton, Ifeanyi Emeghara -Steaua Bucherest (Romania); Jon Mikel Obi – Chelsea, Seyi Olofinjana - Wolves, Richard Eromoigbe – Levski Sofia (Bulgaria), Dickson Etuhu – Sunderland, Onyeakachi Okonkwo – FC Zurich (Switzerland), Yusuf Ayinia – Dynamo Kiev (Russia); John Utaka – Portsmouth, Osaze Odemwingie – Spartak Moscow (Russia), Obafemi Martins – Newcastle, Nwankwo Kanu – Portsmouth, Ishiaku Manaseh MSV Duisburg (German), Ayo Makinwa – Lazio (Italy), Uche Ikechukwu – Getafe (Spain).
