John Obi Mikel has staged a dramatic but much expected return to the Super Eagles squad as Coach Stephen Keshi named him among the 15 foreign-based players that would confront the Lone Stars of Liberia in the last leg of the 2013 Africa Nations Cup qualifier slated for Calabar on October 13.
Keshi told Goal.com that he spoke with the Chelsea midfielder before finally including him on the list
"Mikel Obi and I spoke two or three days ago so all the noise about Mikel, Osaze did this or that is unfounded," Keshi told Goal.com.
"I spoke with Mikel three days ago and he told me he wants to play and he is ready to play for his country. We just hope that he plays his best for the country in the match against Liberia.
"We are targeting victory and by the special grace of God we will qualify for the Nations Cup. Nigeria deserves to be in South Africa.
The invited 23 home-based players would resume camp on Sunday, September 30 while the invited 15 foreign-based players would hit the Abuja camp on 8th October. The main squad will move to Calabar a day after the foreign-based players have resumed
Keshi has also recalled Inter's Joel Obi who had been out of the squad due to injury. Making a debut in the senior team is Lazio's Ogenyi Onazi, a former Golden Eaglet.
Foreign based players list:
Goalkeepers:
Enyeama Vincent and Ejide Austin
Defenders:
Joseph Yobo, Efe Ambrose, Elderson Echiejile
Midfielders:
Nosa Igiebor, Obiora Nwankwo, Mikel Obi, Joel Obi, Victor Moses
Strikers:
Ahmed Musa, Ikechukwu Uche, Emmanuel Emenike, Brown Ideye, Onazi Ogenyi.
Home-based players list:
Goalkeepers
Akpeyi Daniel - Heartland
Defenders
Egwuekwe Azubuike - Warri Wolves
Papa Idris - Kano Pillars
Oboabona Godfrey - Sunshine Stars
Zango Umar - Kano Pillars
Kwambe Solomon - Sunshine Stars
Ezekiel Bassey - Lobi Stars
Kingsley Udoh - Heartland
Midfielders and Forwards
Uzoenyi Ejike - Rangers
Mba Sunday - Warri Wolves
Gabriel Reuben - Kano Pillars
Henry Uche - Enyimba
Christian Ofili - ABS
Jabason Solomon - Akwa United
Sanusi Sani - Gombe United
Philip Asuquo – 3SC
Izu Azuka - Sunshine Stars
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