Nigeria names Ogude for Afcon camp

Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi has included Valerenga midfielder, Fegor Ogude in his pre-Afcon plans.

The 25-year-old midfielder was announced among the squad of 23 other players based in the local league.

Ogude, a former Warri Wolves' player, is currently on holidays in Nigeria and Keshi said he has opted to hand the player the chance to try out for a place in his team ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

"I've been following him since his injury and he is now fit to compete in the team again. So he will get his chance to impress," Keshi told supersport.com.

The Nigerian manager, who returned from holidaying in the USA on Tuesday, have also handed calls to three goalkeepers, seven defenders, nine midfielders and four strikers.

Nigerian champions, Kano Pillars and Enugu Rangers produced more players in the squad with five each.

Goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim as well as centre-back pair of Godfrey Oboabona and Azubuike Egwuekwe made the cut as usual.

As expected Sunshine Stars' full-back, Solomon Kwambe, who impressed in last month's 3-1 win over Venezuela in a pre-Afcon friendly, was also named in the 24-man squad.

3SC playmaker, Philip Asuquo got a recall after he missed out from the team against Venezuela.

The Super Eagles' Afcon camp officially opens this Sunday in Abuja while training starts the following day.

Keshi is expected to name the list of overseas players before Christmas Day ahead of the final phase camping in Faro, Portugal.