Why I Invited 42 for Malawi World Cup Qualifier – Keshi

Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi has explained the rationale behind inviting 24 home-based professionals when only five of them will eventually join the 18 overseas-based stars for the big game against Malawi, as well as for the international friendly against the Etalons of Burkina Faso in Kaduna on Tuesday, 10th September.

The Big Boss is already planning ahead as he said the exercise will allow him discover more players for next year’s Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) to be staged in South Africa; a place that is fast becoming a good hunting ground for the Eagles’ gaffer.

“We are calling up 24 home boys in order to be able to identify new players for the 2014 African Nations Championship, for which we have already qualified, said Keshi.

The home based Eagles secured a berth in CHAN 2014 after beating their Ivorian counterparts to one of the tickets up for grab.

However recent developments suggest that some key members of the local squad might become ineligible for the tournament proper as they are close to sealing various deals with some interested foreign club sides.