Nations Cup: Mikel, Ideye make team, Dike out •Nigeria, Cape Verde play draw

Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi, Joseph Yobo made Nigeria’s final list as expected to the 2013 Africa Nations Cup starting January 19 in South Africa. They lead 21 others including Ukraine-based Brown Ideye who made the team despite originally being rumoured as cut from the team by coach Stephen Keshi. The Nigeria coached released the final team list while the country engaged Cape Verde in a friendly match in Faro, Portugal Wednesday night. The match ended goalless.

Nations Cup: Newcastle Contract Rules Ameobi Out

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew finally won the debate over Shola Ameobi’s availability for the 2013 Africa Nations Cup as the Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi on Wednesday admitted that a clause in the player’s contract with his club stops him from playing in the competition. Keshi who spoke in Abuja said that he discussed with the striker on Christmas day and was told by Ameobi that two years ago he signed his contract with a clause that says he cannot go to the Africa Nations Cup without the manager’s permission.

Nations Cup: Dein Backs Eagles For Glory

Former Arsenal vice-chairman, David Dein, is expecting Nigeria’s Super Eagles to do well at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. Dein is hopeful that the Eagles will emulate their beach soccer counterparts, the Supersand Eagles, who successfully defended their Copa Lagos Beach Soccer Worldwide title this month. “Football is a big sport in Nigeria. The Nigerian team has done well in beach soccer, a growing sport. It’s amazing that the Beach Soccer Worldwide organises at least two tournaments monthly across the world and Copa Lagos is one of them,” said the President of the G-14 Group of European Football Clubs.