Zambia’s strongest opponents at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria, are commencing early preparations for the tournament after missing out on the 2012 edition at which Chipolopolo emerged continental kings.
Zambia and Nigeria are in Group C of the 2013 Africa Cup with Burkina Faso and Ethiopia completing the Group.
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has drafted 24 players from the local league to begin preparations for the Super Eagles friendly against Venezuela.
ThisDayLive reports that the Nigerians will begin their residential camp this Sunday and will travel to Miami, Florida where they will engage Venezuela in an international friendly on November 14.
Super Eagles spokesman Ben Alaiya has advised all the players to report with their international passports and two passport photographs (US embassy size).
There are two goalkeepers, nine defenders and 13 midfieders and five strikers in the team.
Below is the full list of invited players that will as usual be led by home-based skipper, Chigozie Agbim of Warri Wolves.
Zambia, on the other hand, has also named a 24 member team to prepare for a friendly against South Africa on November 14 in the Mandela Challenge set for Soccer City.
Herve Renard’s men will then travel to India for a 10-day training camp with a locally based side starting on November 19.
Below are the teams for both countries starting to prepare for the competition.
Nigeria Squad
Goalkeepers
Agbim Chigozie (Warri Wolves) and Akpeyi Daniel (Heartland).
Defenders
Oboabona Godfrey, Kwambe Solomon (both Sunshine Stars), Egwuekwe Azubuike (Warri Wolves), Zango Umar, Papa Idris (both Kano Pillars), Benjamin Francis, Udoh Kingsley (both Heartland), Solomom Yaya (Kwara United) and Ugwu Uwadiegu (Enyimba).
Midfielders
Uzoenyi Ejike, Emeka Eze (both Rangers), Mba Sunday (Warri Wolves), Henry Uche (Enyimba), Onduku Gomo (Sharks), Ubale Mannir, Ruben Gabriel, Gambo Mohammed (all Kano Pillars) and Sani Sanusi (Gombe United).
Strikers
Anthony Okputu, Emmanuel Ajia (Lobi Stars) and Azubuike Okey (Niger Tonadoes), Nwanchukwu Obinna (Heartland).
Zambia (Mandela Challenge Cup)
Goalkeepers
Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars, RSA), Danny Munyau (Red Arrows) and Joshua Titima (Power Dynamos).
Defenders
Emmanuel Mbola (FC Porto, Portugal), Joseph Musonda (Golden Arrows, RSA), Davies Nkausu (SuperSport United, RSA), Chintu Kampamba (Unattached), Stoppila Sunzu (TP Mazembe, DRC), Hichani Himoonde (TP Mazembe, DRC).
Midfielders
Nathan Sinkala (TP Mazembe, DRC), William Njobvu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel), Noah Chivuta (Free State Stars, RSA), Isaac Chansa (Henan Jienye, China), Mukuka Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe, DRC), Chisamba Lungu (FC Urals, Russia), Shadreck Malambo (Zanaco), Felix Katongo (Primero de Agosto, Angola).
Strikers
Jonas Sakuwaha (El Merreikh, Sudan), James Chamanga (Dalian Shide, China), Collins Mbesuma (Orlando Pirates, RSA), Chris Katongo (Henan Jienye, China), Emmanuel Mayuka (Southampton, England) and Jacob Mulenga (FC Utrecht, Holland).
Zambia (India Trip with Local Based Players)
Goalkeepers
Davy Kaumbwa, (Green Buffaloes), Joshua Titima, (Power Dynamos), Luciano Sandro Pasquini, (Perrugia Academy, Italy),
Defenders
Jimmy Chisenga (Red Arrows), Chishimba Changala (Nkwazi), Salulani Phiri (Zanaco), Aaron Katebe (Hwange FC, Zimbabwe), Chintu Kampamba (Unattached),
Midfielders
Rodrick Kabwe (Kabwe Warriors), Chisamba Lungu (FC Ural, Russia), Thomas Nyirenda (Power Dynamos), Joseph Sitali (Power Dynamos), Shadreck Malambo (Red Arrows), Mukuka Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Kennedy Mudenda (Power Dynamos), Bruce Musakanya (Red Arrows), Lubambo Musonda (National Assembly), Kangwa Chileshe (Zesco United),
Strikers
Evan Kangwa (Nkana), Moses Phiri (Zanaco), Lewis Macha (Zanaco), Ronald Kampamba (Nkana), Alex Ngonga (Nchanga Rangers).