Keshi issues May 26 deadline to players

Following the release of his 30-man World Cup provisional list on Tuesday, Keshi, who also included five players who ply their trade in the Nigeria Premier League explained that the delay in the release of the list was due to the need to ascertain the fitness level of invited players. Keshi noted that they are expected to start arriving the team’s camp from May 25 in readiness for their friendly game with Scotland three days later. According to him, “The decision to delay the release of the World Cup list was to give enough time to ascertain who and who are in right health and physical condition.” There was no need clling up players who won’t be available at the end of the day. “As you know, many leagues especially in Europe are ending. And some players could have one or two knocks which they have been nursing. The invited players are expected in camp as from three days before our first test match against Scotland.” The biggest surprises on the provisional squad are Parma midfielder Joel Obi and Belgium-based Gabriel Reuben, who have both been troubled by injuries. Nigeria will face Iran, Bosnia and Argentina in their fifth World Cup appearance.