Kanu to lead Nigeria in finals

World Cup Digest:NIGERIA named six players with World Cup experience yesterday in their final 23-man squad for the tournament in South Africa.

Nwankwo Kanu will captain the side at his third World Cup.

Coach Lars Lagerback, who made his choice after just two games in charge, also included Rabiu Afolabi, Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, John Utaka and Joseph Yobo from the squad that took part in the 2002 finals.

The Swede cut Everton’s Victor Anichebe and winger Ike Uche, who was Nigeria’s top performer in the qualifiers, from his preliminary squad.

Both had recently returned from long-term injury and although they played in the warm-up games, officials said Lagerback had decided against taking any chances on their fitness.

Eto’o joins up with Cameroon

SAMUEL ETO’O has joined up with his Cameroon team-mates in Portugal after missing the first part of his squad’s preparations.

The Cameroon captain had been given a week off after his Champions League success with Inter Milan in Madrid on May 22nd, missing two internationals in Austria, where Cameroon drew with Georgia and Slovakia.

Eto’o has spent his free time embroiled in a war of words with former international Roger Milla and threatened to pull out of the World Cup after Milla said he felt the striker had not done enough in his career for the Cameroon side.

Santa Cruz in Paraguay squad

ENGLAND-based duo Roque Santa Cruz and Paulo Da Silva have been included in Paraguay’s 23-man World Cup squad. Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino announced yesterday that Manchester City striker Santa Cruz and Sunderland defender Da Silva are part of the squad after reducing the 30-man initial party to the official 23 which will travel to South Africa.

Kewell winning race to be fit

AUSTRALIA forward Harry Kewell is winning his race to be fit for their opening World Cup game against Germany on June 13th, coach Pim Verbeek said yesterday.

The Galatasaray forward did not train with the squad in their morning session yesterday but looks set to be included in Verbeeks final squad of 23 which will be announced after a warm-up game against Denmark today.

Gullit considers Australia job

FORMER Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit has said he would consider taking up the role as Australia coach when Pim Verbeek leaves the post after the World Cup finals in South Africa.

While a host of coaches have been linked to the job, including the likes of Frank Rijkaard, no one has put their hand up as yet with several positions expected to be available after the finals.

Gullit, who made 66 appearances for the Netherlands, including at the 1990 World Cup, has indicated he would be happy to speak to the Football Federation Australia about taking control of the Socceroos in the lead-up to the 2011 Asian Cup.