Nigeria’s African Nations Cup prospects have been hit by two club v country rows.
While Efe Ambrose has teamed up with the squad currently preparing in Faro, Portugal for the tournament coach Stephen Keshi has had to plan without Shola Ameobi of Newcastle and Millwall’s Danny Shittu.
Nigeria have a friendly on Wednesday against Cape Verde as they prepare for their opening match against against Burkina Faso on January 21.
Ameobi is the main loss for Keshi with the striker indicating that it’s more important to stay and play for Newcastle than represent his country in South Africa.
Nigeria currently have 30 players, including Raui Ibrahim, in their training camp with the final squad of 23 still to be decided.
After a 1-1 draw against a Catalan XI coached by Johan Cruyff on Wednesday Keshi is getting down to the serious business of selecting his final squad.
“Our preparation for the African Cup of Nations is going on without hitches,” he said. “And the players are responding very well to our training schedule.
“But I must say the truth; there is selection problem now because all the players have been impressive in camp.
“I’m doing my best to select a solid squad that Nigerians will be proud of. However, I have told the players to take the final list as they see it when I announce the squad next week.”
The tournament kicks off on Saturday January 19 when the hosts South Africa face the Cape Verde Islands.
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