Connectnigeria Articles

By Arinze Ude.

John Mikel Obi — Credit: yeoal.blogspot.com

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi has handed a call-up to Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel for the return leg of the 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifier next month. Mikel opted out of the 2-2 draw in the first leg away in Monrovia but he has been recalled for the crucial encounter in Calabar on 13 October, 2012. The 25-year-old has yet to play for the Super Eagles since coach Stephen Keshi took over the team in November. Ogenyi Onazi has also been handed a debut call-up after impressing for Lazio. He has featured this season as an attacking midfielder for the Serie A club after coming through their youth set-up. There are also recalls for goalkeeper Austin Ejide as well as Inter Milan ace Joel Obi who returned to action after an injury layoff. The 5 overseas-based pros are to be joined by 23 players from the domestic league, led by young Lobi Stars striker Tony Okpotu. Full list of Nigeria squad: Goalkeepers Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva/ISR) Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv/ISR) Chigozie Agbim (Warri Wolves) Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland) Defenders Joseph Yobo (Fenerbache/TUR) Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga/POR) Efe Ambrose (Celtic/SCO) Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves) Papa Idris Umar Zango (Kano Pillars) Solomon Kwambe Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars) Ezekiel Bassey (Lobi Stars) Kingsley Udoh (Heartland) Midfielders Joel Obi (Inter Milan/ITA) Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis/ESP) Obiora Nwankwo (Padova/ITA) John Mikel Obi (Chelsea/ENG) Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio/ITA) Gabriel Reuben (Kano Pillars) Henry Uche (Enyimba) Christian Ofili (ABS) Solomon Jabason (Akwa United) Philip Asuquo (3SC) Forwards Victor Moses (Chelsea/ENG) Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow/RUS) Ike Uche (Villarreal/ESP) Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow/RUS) Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kiev/UKR) Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers) Sunday Mba (Warri Wolves) Sanusi Sani (Gombe United) Izu Azuka (Sunshine Stars) Brendan Ogbu (Heartland) Tony Okpotu (Lobi Stars) Manir Ubale (Kano Pillars) Gomo Ondoku (Sharks) Fidelis Saviour (FC Taraba)