Injured Emenike out of Nigeria World Cup qualifier

LAGOS (AFP) – Injured Spartak Moscow striker Emmanuel Emenike has been left out of Nigeria’s squad for the World Cup qualifier against Kenya on March 23.

Emenike, who was top scorer in the recent Africa Cup of Nations winning campaign, is nursing a long-term hamstring injury which he suffered during the continental competition in South Africa.

Emenike

However, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has recalled Levante striker Obafemi Martins, who was not picked for the Nations Cup.

Eleven of those selected for the Kenya clash were in the squad that clinched the Nations Cup including the Chelsea pair of John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses.

There were surprise call-ups for Ukraine-based winger Michael Babatunde and Portugal-based midfielder John Ogu.

Nigeria lead their group on four points while Kenya are bottom of the standings on a point.