Papa Idris, Gabriel Reuben, Gbolahan Salami and Hussein Hassan, were among the 13 early callers to the national team’s camp in Abuja, as preparations start in ernest on Tuesday for the international friendly in Lima, Peru, scheduled for May 23.
Other players in camp as at lunch time on Monday were Kalu Uche and Henry Uche both of Enyimba of Aba, Izu Azuka and Godfrey Oboabona of Sunshine Stars, Kwara’s Barbabas Imenger, Samson Pius, Dolphins newcomer Nwachi Emmanuel, Nura Mohammed and Gombe’s Marcel Obiorah.
All other players were expected before dinner on Tuesday.
Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, said he had to shelve training to allow some of the players who featured for their clubsides in the state Federation Cup finals ample time to return to camp.
Some of the players are also expected to be released at the weekend to feature for their clubs in continental assignments.
They are players of Heartland of Owerri, Sunshine Stars of Akure and Warri Wolves, who will be in continental club actions during the weekend.
Meanwhile the national team will return to the mainbowl of the Abuja National Stadium when rigorous training resumes on Tuesday morning.
Team Coordinator, Emmanuel Atta, spent the better part of Sunday and Monday ensuring the pitch and other facilities necessary for proper training are in place.
He said all was now ready for training on Tuesday.