Stephen Keshi, the Nigeria coach, has been criticised after including Reuben Gabriel in his World Cup squad.

The former Kilmarnock midfielder has started just five games in two seasons and is in the reserves at Belgian outfit Waasland-Beveren. Yet Keshi played him for the full game in the recent friendly against Scotland and then included him in his final 23-man squad for Brazil.

Gabriel made three starts for Kilmarnock, the last against Dundee United in December, when he was sent off. Keshi was reportedly involved in a furious row with the Nigerian FA over the inclusion of the 23-year-old, in place of Real Betis midfielder Nosa Igiebor, an ever-present for the Spanish side this year.