Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, has invited 25 players to execute the two big games against Ethiopia and Italy that the African champions will execute in Calabar, Cross River State and London respectively within 48 hours mid-November.
First comes the 2014 FIFA World Cup final qualifying match against the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia, at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar on November 16, a fixture the Eagles lead 2-1 from the first leg in Addis Ababa on October 13.
Two days later, the African champions take on four-time World champions, Italy, at the Craven Cottage ground of English Premiership club, Fulham FC, in a high-profile friendly in London.
Coach Keshi has recalled brilliant young defender, Kenneth Omeruo, a key component of his 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winning squad, as well as the rugged and attack-minded midfielder, Reuben Gabriel.
Both men were out injured for months.
Omeruo dislocated a troubled shoulder at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil in the summer while Gabriel would be happy to be fully fit after sitting on the bench all through the Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Stand-in skipper, Vincent Enyeama, is called alongside goalkeepers Austin Ejide and Chigozie Agbim, while South Africa-based defender, James Okwuosa, and strikers Obinna Nsofor and Uche Nwofor also keep their places.
The list also includes Africa Cup of Nations top scorer and two-goal hero in Addis Ababa, Emmanuel Emenike.
THE FULL LIST
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria).
Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal); Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC, Nigeria); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); James Okwuosa (Chippa United, South Africa); Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea FC, England).
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Victor Moses (Liverpool FC, England); John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Nnamdi Oduamadi (Brescia Calcio 1911, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria); Reuben Gabriel (Kilmarnock FC, Scotland).
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia);
Uche Nwofor (SC Heerenveen, The Netherlands).
