Okocha will rest against Angola

Coach Christian Chukwu has decided he will give some youngsters a chance but experienced players will be rested for the game in Benin City.

Skipper Austin Okocha will be among those left out, despite missing the last home game against Malawi after travelling to Abuja without his passport.

Nations Cup Group 1 stats

Strikers Nwankwo Kanu and Yakubu Aiyegbeni will not be in the 17-man squad.

Three players who were in the squad which lost 3-0 to Brazil on 11 June, goalkeeper Austin Ejide, and defenders Romanus Orjinta and Seyi Olajengbesi will be retained.

Chukwu has also named 10 home-based players and seven overseas professionals, including Karibe Ojigwe, Ogbonna Kanu and Patrick Ovie.

Kanu and Ovie are currently without clubs.

Nigeria lead Group 1 after beating Malawi 3-0 on 7 June and need only a draw against Angola to reach the finals in Tunisia in January.

Angola have yet to register a win in the group, but Brazilian coach Ismael Kurtz is confident the Palancas Negras can do something in Nigeria that they have never done under his tutelage � win a competitive match.

Kurtz�s optimism is based on the positive approach of the group and their recent performances in training.

Attacking midfielder Figueiredo shares his coach�s positive attitude, believing that Nigeria have weaknesses the Palancas Negras can exploit.

Nigerian squad:
Goalkeepers: Austin Ejide, Sam Okoye. Defenders: Patrick Ovie, Ogbonna Kanu, Benedict Idahor, Romanus Orjinta, Seyi Olajengbesi, Bob Usim.
Midfielders: Osaze Odemwingie, Karibe Ojigwe, Kalu Uche, Shola Shaibu, Oge Ileagu, Ahmed 'Yaro Yaro' Garba.
Strikers: Ikechukwu Uche, Uche Ugochukwu, Ndubisi Chukwukere.

Angolan squad:
Goalkeepers: Marito, Goliath
Defenders: Fernando Pereira, Jamba, Dias Caires, S�rgio, Kaly, Yamba Asha, Filipe, Bodunha.
Midfielders: Gilberto, Mendon�a, Sim�o, Figueiredo, Stopirra.
Strikers: Akw�, Fl�vio, Love.