Stephen Keshi, the Nigeria head coach, has informed those players in his squad based abroad that there is no place for them on the official flight to London, where they are due to take on Scotland.

The African champions will face Gordon Strachan's side at Craven Cottage on Wednesday. However, preparations for the match have been far from smooth for the Nigerians and Keshi has created a sense of disarray by instructing his players that only those based at home can fly out with him.

A number of players have returned to Nigeria following the end of their respective club seasons. "I have received calls from some of the foreign-based players that are in Nigeria," said Keshi. "I have told them in clear terms that we are not travelling with any foreign players from here."