Kanu is not going to Japan

Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu has been dropped from Nigeria's squad for a friendly against Japan next month.

But four other England-based players were named in the squad for the match in Tokyo on 20 August.

No reason was given for the exclusion of Kanu, who played in Nigeria's 1-0 friendly win over Venezuela last weekend.

Samuel Kaalu, spokesman for the Nigerian Football Association, played down the significance of Kanu's absence.

"The squad is a still strong one without Kanu and everyone is sure of a win," said Kaalu.

The Super Eagles drew 2-2 with Japan two years ago in Southampton, England.

Squad:
Goalkeepers: Greg Etafia (Moroka Swallows, South Africa) and Austin Ejide (Etoile, Tunisia)
Defenders: Patrick Ovie (Kryliya Sovetov, Russia), Ifeanyi Udeze (PAOK Salonica, Greece), Joseph Yobo (Everton, England), Isaac Okoronkwo (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Joseph Enakarhire (Standard Liege, Belgium)
Midfielders: Jay Jay Okocha (Bolton Wanderers, England), Ikpe Ekong (Reggiana, Italy), Seyi Olofinjana (Brann, Norway), Ifeanyi Ekwueme (Wisla Plock, Poland), Ike Kalu (Sampdoria, Italy)
Strikers: Bartholomew Ogbeche (Paris St Germain, France), Uche Kalu (Wisla Krakow, Poland), Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Portsmouth, England), Femi Opabunmi (Grasshoppers, Switzerland), John Utaka (Lens), Benedict Akwuegbu (Graz AK, Austria)

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