Stephen Keshi Returns as Super Eagles Coach, Unveils 24-Man Squad for Final AFCON Qualifiers
Just two weeks after his dismissal, Stephen Keshi is officially back at the helm of the Nigerian national team, replacing interim coach Shaibu Amodu. The Nigerian Football Federation has reinstated Keshi in time for the decisive final rounds of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where Nigeria will face Congo and South Africa.
🔁 Keshi’s Comeback: Big Decisions and Surprises
In his return, Keshi wasted no time making bold selections:
-
Ikechukwu Uche, long excluded due to a personal rift with the coach, makes a surprise return to the squad.
-
Meanwhile, Victor Moses and Obafemi Martins, two fan favorites, are left out—a decision that could stir fresh controversy among supporters and the press.
📊 Qualification Stakes
Nigeria sits third in Group A with 4 points, behind:
-
South Africa (8 points)
-
Congo (7 points)
Only the top two teams are guaranteed a spot in the 2015 AFCON, making these upcoming fixtures must-win encounters.
🧤 Goalkeepers
-
Vincent Enyeama (Lille, France)
-
Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)
-
Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United)
🛡️ Defenders
-
Elderson Echiejile (Monaco, France)
-
Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel)
-
Efe Ambrose (Celtic, Scotland)
-
Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars)
-
Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor, Türkiye)
-
Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough, England)
-
Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves)
⚙️ Midfielders
-
John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England)
-
Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio, Italy)
-
Hope Akpan (Reading, England)
-
Raheem Lawal (Eskisehirspor, Türkiye)
-
Sone Aluko (Hull City, England)
-
Tony Edjomari (Nasarawa United)
🎯 Forwards
-
Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia)
-
Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce, Türkiye)
-
Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves)
-
Osaguona Ighodaro (Enugu Rangers)
-
Ikechukwu Uche (Villarreal CF, Spain)
-
Aaron Samuel (Guangzhou R&F, China)
-
Sunday Emmanuel (SV Scholz Grodig, Austria)
-
Babatunde Michael (Volyn Lutsk, Ukraine)
-
Emem Eduok (Dolphins FC)
🇳🇬 What’s Next?
Keshi now faces the immense task of rallying his team in a tight qualification race. With Nigeria needing maximum points, all eyes will be on how he manages team chemistry, tactical discipline, and public pressure in this dramatic return.
The upcoming matches could define not just Nigeria’s AFCON hopes—but Keshi’s legacy as well.
