By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Lagos |
 Mercy Akide will not be part of Nigeria's squad in South Africa |
Mercy Akide has been left out of Nigeria's provisional squad for the African Women's Championship in South Africa.
Coach Godwin Izilien said the former female African Footballer of the Year needed a rest from international activity after playing at the Olympic tournament in Athens.
But Izilien called up eight players from the team that reached the quarter-finals of the Athens tournament, including goalkeeper Precious Dede and striker Vera Okolo.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group B, where they will face Algeria, Cameroon and Mali.
"We're not going to underrate the teams in our Nations Cup group because they have improved over the years," Izilien said.
"However, our performance in past championships and Athens means we are the side to beat."
Africa's sole representative at the women's Olympic tournament, Nigeria have won every continental championship since its inception in 1998.
Squad
Goalkeepers:
Precious Dede, Maris Ighalo, Chioma Ajagbe
Defenders: Faith Ikidi, Yinka Kudaisi, Florence Iweta, Ayi Yusuf, Ulunma Jerome, Bunmi Kayode, Kikelomo Ajayi, Onome Ebi, Rachel Asabor, Ropo Ojo, Lauretta Sogoe, Christy George, Bola Sanni
Midfielders:Ajuma Ameh, Perpetual Nkwocha, Effionwan Ekpo, Akudo Sabi, Dorcas Ariba, Otasonwe Esomoghene, Ijeoma Obi, Titi Mekuleyi, Esohe Osaigbovo
Strikers:Vera Okolo, Cynthia Uwak, Julie Ekwerike and Adaku Erengwa
MMIX
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