Keshi invites 42 players for Malawi game

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has invited 24 home-based players and 18 foreign-based professionals to camp ahead of next month’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Malawi in Calabar.

Nigeria, on nine points, need to avoid defeat against seven-point Malawi at the U. J. Esuene Stadium on September 7, to reach the 10-team final elimination round of the African qualifying race for next year’s showpiece in Brazil.

Only five of the 24 home- based players will eventually join their 18 foreign-based counterparts for the crucial game, as well as for the international friendly against the Etalons of Burkina Faso in Kaduna on September 10.

Regulars Chigozie Agbim, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Solomon Kwambe , Benjamin Francis, Sunday Mba and Muhammad Gambo lead the domestic league players while defender Godfrey Oboabona may come in as a foreign-based player if he seals a deal with Turkey’s Rizespor before the match.

The home-based players are expected at the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja, on August 24, while the Europe-based stars will arrive in Calabar on September 2.