In preparation for the crucial 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against South Africa in November, Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, has invited 23 players for the fixture.
The same group will prosecute the friendly encounter against the Cranes of Uganda at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba three days later.
Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze, Former U17 World Cup winners at different times, return after a long time out of the Eagles squad.
Midfielder Mikel Agu, who took part in some games for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and home-based defender Adeleye Olamilekan Aniyikaye are also called. Asides them, the coach has maintained his confidence in the squad that decimated the Mediterranean Knights of Libya over two legs earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Wilfred Ndidi, who got yellow cards against Seychelles and Libya will be ineligible for the match.
Francis Uzoho and Ikechukwu Ezenwa are among three goalkeepers invited; Olaoluwa Aina, William Ekong, Leone Balogun and Kenneth Omeruo are included among eight defenders; Oghenekaro Etebo and John Ogu are listed among three midfielders and; Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo, Samuel Kalu and Alex Iwobi are among nine forwards. Henry Onyekuru and Junior Lokosa are listed among five standby players.
Nigeria tops Group E in the qualifying round with nine points and will face second-placed South Africa who has eight points at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on Saturday, November 17.
A win for the Super Eagles will automatically send them to the finals in Cameroon, meaning the second ticket in the group will be down to a fierce call between the Bafana and the Knights.
The Super Eagles will fly from Johannesburg to Asaba on November 18 for the friendly with the Cranes of Uganda on November 20.
FULL LIST OF INVITED PLAYERS
Goalkeepers:
Francis Uzoho (Elche FC, Spain)
Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba FC)
Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa)
Defenders:
Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy)
Adeleye Aniyikaye (FC IfeanyiUbah)
Semi Ajayi (Rotherham United, England)
Bryan Idowu (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)
William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy)
Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)
Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain)
Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany)
Midfielders:
Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC, England)
John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)
Mikel Agu (Vitoria Setubal FC, Portugal)
Forwards:
Ahmed Musa (Al Nasr FC, Saudi Arabia)
Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)
Moses Simon (Levante FC, Spain)
Victor Osimhen (Royal Charleroi SC, Belgium)
Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai, China)
Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England)
Samuel Kalu (Bordeaux FC, France)
Isaac Success (Watford FC, England)
Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain)
Standby:
Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray SK, Turkey)
Chidozie Awaziem (FC Porto, Portugal)
Nyima Nwagua (Kano Pillars FC)
Sunday Adetunji (Enyimba FC)
Junior Lokosa (Kano Pillars FC)
