After so much drama and anxiety, coach Stephen Keshi finally made public his provisional list of 30 players to vie for the mandatory 23 slots for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The list was not without some surprises as Ikechukwu Uche, Villareal, Brown Ideye, Dynamo Kiev and Hull City’s Sone Aluko were overlooked. Joel Obi and Peter Odemwingie made a return to the team after several months. The recall of Odemwingie was largely anticipated as many Nigerians made a case for him based on his current form at Stoke City FC where his career has been rejuvenated.

The 30-man list is made up of Vincent Enyeama, Mikel Obi, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike and Victor Moses, all regular faces with Ramon Azeez, Michael Babatunde and Azubuike Egwuekwe as surprise additions.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim, Daniel Akpeyi.

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Joseph Yobo, Kunle Odunlami.

Midfielders: Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Ejike Uzoenyi, Sunday Mba, Reuben Gabriel, Nosa Igiebor, Joel Obi.

Strikers: Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike, Obinna Nsofor, Osaze Odemwingie, Babatunde Michael, Michael Uchebo, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Nwofor Uche