Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has picked six locally-based players in his 23-man squad for the African Cup of Nations.

"They've earned it and I look at this as an opportunity for the local players to prove themselves," Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi told BBC Sport.

"I have belief in the players selected.

"They have been given a task to do and I'm strongly convinced they will not disappoint me." 

Early last week, former Nigeria winger Waidi Akanni revealed that he was worried about his country as they had delayed the announcement of their 23-man squad for the tournament.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Burkina Faso on 21 January in the group stage of the 2013 African Cup of Nations. They are in Group C alongside Zambia and Ethiopia.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheba, Israel); Chigozie Agbim(Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (SC Braga, Portugal); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, Turkey); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands); Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Obiora Nwankwo (Calcio Padova, Italy); Fegor Ogude (Valerenga FC, Norway); Reuben Gabriel (Kano Pillars, Nigeria);

Forwards: Ahmed Musa ( CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow, Russia); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria); Ikechukwu Uche (Villarreal FC, Spain); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria).

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