Keshi expected to name small squad for Kenya

Keshi had earlier stated his willingness to add more quality to the team that were crowned African champions in South Africa last month by inviting players like Shola Ameobi, Obafemi Martins, Sidney Sam (whose nationality switch is still being processed) amongst others.

But the NFF have stated that they expect Keshi to name a small squad as the Federation are currently facing financial constraints.

"Of course we will look at the list from Keshi as in the past but the key thing may not be the type of players he needs but largely on how the Federation can also accommodate his plans. In this time of lean purse, we don't expect to see 35 players called up for the game." An official of the NFF told The Punch.

"The encouragement now is that Keshi already has his core players and so he is zeroing in on exactly those he wants for this game and a few others he wants to give another opportunity to prove their worth," the official said.

In a related development, the Media Officer of the Super Eagles Ben Alaiya told Brila FM on Monday that Keshi will soon release his list of invited players.

"The list of players to be invited for the game with Kenya will be out in the next 24-hours," Alaiya disclosed.

"Like we have always done, the home-based professionals will hit camp first before their foreign counterparts join them to round off preparations" he said.

Nigeria's Super Eagles will host the Harambee Stars Kenya in a 2014 World Cup qualifying match on March 23.