Amodu lists Akpan, Chibuzor in 32-man squad for Nations Cup’s camp

Nigeria’s Head Coach, Shaibu Amodu, has listed 32 players, who will battle for places in the country’s final roster of 23 for the 27th African Cup of Nations to be hosted by Angola next month.
Top on the list is Captain Nwankwo Kanu, with the deputy Captain, Joseph Yobo, as well as midfielders, Oluwaseyi Olofinjana and Mikel Obi, also heading to the camp.

There are five goalkeepers, 11 defenders, nine midfielders and seven forwards. “I believe there will be a fierce fight for shirts because I have made it clear to the players that performances at the Nations Cup will go a long way in determining those who will be called up for the World Cup in South Africa next year,” said Amodu.

The players will report at the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge near Durban, South Africa on December 29. On December 27, the foreign -based players will arrive Nigeria for an appreciation dinner being organised for them by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). This will take place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in the evening of December 28.

The Fairmont Zimbali Lodge is also being considered by the NFF as the Super Eagles’ team base camp for the 19th FIFA World Cup finals being hosted by South Africa next summer.
Nigeria’s final list of 23 players will depart Durban for Angola on January 8, four days before Nigeria’s first match of the tournament, against the cup holders Egypt, at the 35,000 -capacity Ombaka Stadium in Benguela.

The full squad
Goalkeepers:
Vincent Enyeama, Bamidele Aiyenugba, Austin Ejide, Greg Etafia and Bassey Akpan

Defenders:
Taye Taiwo, Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile, Ayodele Adeleye, Danny Shittu, Obinna Nwaneri, Onyekachi Apam, Chidi Odiah, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Yusuf Mohammed and Olubayo Adefemi

Midfielders:
Dickson Etuhu, Sani Kaita, Bartholomew Ibenegbu, Oluwaseyi Olofinjana, Mikel Obi, Nwankwo Kanu, Yusuf Ayila, Kalu Uche and Olufemi Ajilore

Strikers:
Osaze Odemwingie, Obafemi Martins, Chinedu Obasi, Michael Eneramo, Joseph Akpala, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Obinna Nsofor

World Cup bonus
By virtue of qualification for the final tournament of 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, each participating member association will earn $8 million for the three matches of the preliminary group. The earnings are thus graduated:

Champion team - $30 Million
Runner up - $24 Million
Third place - $20 Million
Fourth place - $18 Million
5th 8th - $14 Million
9th 16th - $9 Million
17th 32nd - $8 Million
Sun News