Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi has hinted that Shola Ameobi and a number of unlikely players could be named in Nigeria's final squad to the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa next year.

Keshi told reporters he will announce on Christmas Day, the list of foreign based professionals, to join the home based players for the last phase of camping in Faro, Portugal before the 23- man squad is announced.

The national coach admitted his soft spot for the Newcastle forward Ameobi who made his first and only international appearance in the friendly match against Venezuela in Miami. He also expressed his delight to see two other players, Gabriel Ruben and Fegoir Ogude reunite with the national team after staying out of the spotlight following long injury lay off.