John Mikel Obi to play against Liberia

LAGOS  -  Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi  has been recalled for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at home against  Liberia.

Mikel opted out of the 2-2 draw in the first leg in Monrovia earlier this month but he has been recalled for the October 13 return game to be played in Calabar.

Mikel has yet to play for the Eagles since coach Stephen Keshi took over the team in November.

Former schoolboy star Ogenyi Onazi was a surprise call-up and he owes his invitation to his amazing progress at top Italian club Lazio, where he has featured as an attacking midfielder for the first team after he shone in the club’s youth team.

There are also recalls for goalkeeper Austin Ejide as well as Inter Milan ace Joel Obi.

The 15 overseas-based pros are to be joined by 23 players from the domestic league led by young Lobi Stars striker Tony Okpotu.

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)