Keshi releases 30-man provisional World Cup list, excludes Ike Uche, Ideye

VILLARREAL of Spain striker Ike Uche topped the names of surprise exclusions as head coach of Nigeria's Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi on Tuesday in Abuja released a 30-man provisional list for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The exclusion of Ike Uche came to many soccer pundits in Nigeria as a surprise given his exploits in the Spanish La Liga this season with 12 goals in the kitty.
Another surprise exclusion from the list is Ukraine-based and Keshi's 'boy', Brown Ideye as well as Fortuna Dusseldorf of Germant defender, Leon Balogun who is yet to recover fully from the injury he copped during his debut game in London against Mexico.
However, skipper Joseph Yobo is included on the list alongside Stoke City forward, Osaze Odemwingie who has remained consistent this season in the Barclays Premier League with seven goals to show.
Surprisingly, Keshi included Belgium-based Gabriel Reuben on the provisional lis as well as Parma midfielder Joel Obi.
Meanwhile, the final list of the Nigerian team will be released on June 2 ahead of the Mundial billed to start on June 12.
The 30-man squad will leave Abuja on May 25 for London ahead of another warm-up match against Scotland after the friendly in the United States against against Greece.

The full squad:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille/FRA), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva/ISR), Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United), Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves).
Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco/FRA), Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC/SCO), Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor/TUR), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough/ENG), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC/ISR), Joseph Yobo (Norwich City/ENG), Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)

Midfielders: Mikel Obi (Chelsea/ENG), Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio/ITA), Ramon Azeez (Almeria/SPA), Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers), Gabriel Reuben (Beveren/BEL), Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis/SPA), Joel Obi (Parma/ITA), Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge/BEL), Sunday Mba (CA Bastia/FRA).

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow/RUS), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United/ENG), Victor Moses (Liverpool/ENG), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce/TUR), Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona/ITA), Osaze Odemwingie (Stoke City/ENG), Babatunde Michael (Volyn/UKR), Nnamdi Oduamadi (Varese/ITA), Uche Nwofor (Herenveen/Netherlands. 

Caption: Brown Ideye, left out of the team.