TAYO OJEWUNMI, AIPS / LAGOS: Chelsea striker Victor Moses has been named by coach Stephen Keshi to  lead Nigeria’s in the attack in their campaign for their third African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Moses, who played for England in all the age group categories, will be appearing for Nigeria in the championship for the first time, teaming up with Chelsea teammate Mikel Jon Obi alongside six  locally-based players and 17 foreign-based.

Keshi’s selection of six locally-based players in his 23-man squad is the highest in recent times.

Nigeria, matched with champions Zambia, Ethiopia and Burkina Faso in Group C, will be captained by defender Joseph Yobo from Turkey’s Fenerbahce.

Hosts South Africa kick off the finals against Cape Verde in Johannesburg next Saturday (Jan 19).

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel), Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (SC Braga, Portugal), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel), Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Efe Ambrose (Celtic, Scotland), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria), Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands), Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain), Ogenyi Onazi (|Lazio, Italy), Obiora Nwankwo (Padova, Italy), Fegor Ogude (Valerenga, Norway), Gabriel Reuben (Kano Pillars, Nigeria)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa ( CSKA Moscow, Russia), Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Victor Moses (Chelsea, England), Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria), Ikechukwu Uche (Villarreal, Spain), Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria).

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