I feel like a bit of fool this afternoon. Remember when I mused about how Dickson Etuhu’s continued absence from the Nigerian squad could bring plenty of benefits for Fulham with the African Nations Cup around the corner? Well, Amodu Shuaibu has swallowed his pride and selected Dickson for the tournament which gets underway in Angola on January 10.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Egypt, Mozambique and Benin. They kick off their campaign against Egypt on January 12, face Benin four days later and conclude their group programme against Mozambique on January 20.
NIGERIA SQUAD FOR THE AFRICAN NATIONS CUP
GOALKEEPERS: Vincent Enyeama, Bamidele Aiyenugba, Austin Ejide, Greg Etafia.
DEFENDERS: Taiye Taiwo, Elderson Echiejile, Onyekachi Apam, Obinna Nwaneri, Danny Shittu, Joseph Yobo, Dele Adeleye, Chidi Odiah, Yussuf Mohammed, Olubayo Adefemi, Chibuzor Okonkwo.
MIDFIELDERS: Sanni Kaita, Dickson Etuhu, Seyi Olofinjana, John Obi Mikel, Kanu Nwankwo, Yussuf Ayila, Kalu Uche, Femi Ajilore.
ATTACKERS: Osaze Odemwingie, Obafemi Martins, Chinedu Obasi, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Joseph Akpala, Micheal Eneramo, Obinna Nsofor.
So, who else will we lose? Pantsil, Dikgacoi, Kamara?
Pantsil will be there with Ghana (if selected, but he should start at right back).
South Africa competed in the qualifying tournament despite being World Cup hosts (the World Cup and CAN qualifying competitions were merged to make things easier) but didn’t qualify so Dikgacoi will be available.
Senegal missed out on goal difference on both tournaments so Kamara won’t be going either.
Interesting to see that Kalu Uche is on the Nigerian squad. In case anyone doesn’t know he was a summer target of ours. Maybe we will get to see if he is any good.
Thanks Dan
@Lydia Campbell. I have watched Kalu Uche so many times, for Almeria and Nigeria’s Super Eagles, and I can tell you that he is GOOD! Here’s a player who is comfortable in an attacking midfield/creative role as well as in a support striker role. He also shoots quite well and has a kid brother, Ikechukwu, who will definitely be one of the star attractions at next year’s World Cup, even though he’s nursing an injury at the moment.
We really should have gone for him in the summer. I’m sure the Gaffer would have made a move had he bothered to ask Dickson about his international team mate.
May be next summer.