The Stephen Keshi-led technical crew of the home-based Super Eagles on Tuesday in Abuja invited four new players to the team’s camp to strengthen the squad.
According to a statement by the team’s Media Officer, Ben Alaiya, the crew also dropped two players as a result of “low productivity’’, adding that the move was a “gradual process of elimination by substitution’’.
The team, which is camping in Abuja, is preparing for the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for South Africa.
The event, which is in its third edition and is for players based on the African continent, is scheduled for Jan. 11 to Feb. 1 with Nigeria making its debut.
The two players dropped are midfielder Mohammed Ajia of Bayelsa United FC of Yenagoa and defender Reuben Ogbonnaya of El-Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri.
The four players, who are expected to join the squad in Abuja immediately, include the Bendel Insurance FC duo of central defender Obannu Erhune and central defensive midfielder Ikeleji Bello.
The others are Warri Wolves FC midfielder Ewenike Achibi and Mfon Udoh who recently moved from Akwa United FC of Uyo to Enyimba International FC of Aba.
The statement quoted team assistant coach Daniel Amokachi as saying the move was as a result of having little or no time to prepare the squad.
“There is the need to quickly identify tournament materials. We have been tracking these players for some time now and we want to give them a chance to prove themselves at a critical point like this and we hope they won’t disappoint,’’ Amokachi said.
The team is billed to play a test match against Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna on Wednesday in Abuja.
It will also play another practice match on Saturday at the main bowl of the Abuja National Stadium.