Nigeria stand by new faces ahead of World Cup

Nigeria coach Adegboye Onigbinde has named his squad to play Kenya in a friendly on May 4th.

Former first choices defender Taribo West, goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu and Tijjani Babangida are not in the 30-man squad along with former captain Sunday Oliseh and Finidi George.

Nwankwo Kanu of Arsenal and Chelsea defender Celestine Babayaro will miss the game due to the FA Cup final on May 4th and Babayaro only returned to training this week after a thigh injury.

Wilson Oruma, Karibe Ojigwe from Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen, Christopher Kanu and striker Ade Akinbiyi are all called up for the first time.

Juventus transfer target Bartholomew Ogbeche of PSG retains his place in the squad and could feature at the World Cup finals if he continues to impress.

The squad in full -

Goalkeepers - Vincent Enyeama (Enyimba), Etta Ijoh, Austin Ejide (Gabros) and Ademola Bankole (Crewe Alexandra).

Defenders - Joseph Yobo (OM), Daniel Shittu (Queens Park Rangers), Isaac Okoronkwo (Shakhtar Donetsk), Christopher Justice (Antwerp), Rabiu Afolabi (Standard Liege), Eric Ejiofor (Maccabi Haifa), Obinna Nwaneri, Seyi Olajenbesi (both Julius Berger), Christopher Kanu (Ajax) and Efe Sodje (Crewe Alexandra)

Midfielders - Austin Okocha (PSG), Osaze Odemwegie (Insurance), Ekpe Ekong (Reggiana), Ndubuisi Eze (Julius Berger), Karibe Ojigwe (Bayer Leverkusen), Wilson Oruma (Servette) and Pius Ikedia (Ajax).

Strikers - Benedict Akwuegbu (Shenyeng Gendi), Julius Aghahowa (Shakhtar Donetsk), Ade Akinbiyi (Crystal Palace), Emeka Ugali (Monza), Samuel Ayorinde, Bartholomew Ogbeche (PSG), Rabiu Baita (Kano Pillars), John Utaka (Al Saad) and Femi Opabunmi (Grasshoppers).