Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has recalled veteran defender Joseph Yobo for the March 5 friendly with Mexico in Atlanta, USA.
Yobo, 33, makes a return to the Super Eagles for the first time since the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. The defender, who joined English side, Norwich City, last month from Turkish giants, Fenerbahce, has been given a chance to prove himself for a place in Nigeria’s squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Midfielder Ejike Uzoenyi, adjudged the Most Valuable Player at the recently held Orange African Nations Championship (CHAN) in South Africa is included in the 23-man squad just as defender Azubuike Egwuekwe of Warri Wolves, midfielder Abdulai Shehu of Kano Pillars and defender Kunle Odunlami of Sunshine Stars.
There are also debut call-ups for youngsters Ramon Azeez (Almeria, Spain) and Belgium-based duo, Imoh Ezekiel of Standard Liege and Michael Uchebo of Cercle Brugge.
The match forms part of the African champions’ preparation for the Mundial where they are housed in Group F alongside Argentina, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iran.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)
Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Joseph Yobo (Norwich City, England); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Shehu Abdullahi (Kano Pillars); Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Victor Moses (Liverpool FC, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona, Italy); Bright Dike (Toronto FC, Canada), Imoh Ezekiel (Standard Liege,Belgium); Michel Uchebo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium).
Confederation of African Football (CAF) News
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