Real Betis winger Nosa Igiebor has been recalled to the Nigeria squad for next month’s World Cup qualifier against Malawi.

Also recalled as part of a squad of 18 Europe-based and 24 domestic players is goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, rested for the Nelson Mandela Challenge earlier this month.

Only five of the 24 home boys will eventually join the 18 overseas-based stars for the big game, as well as for the international friendly against Burkina Faso in Kaduna on September 10.

Two-goal hero against South Africa in last week’s Nelson Mandela Challenge Uche Nwofor retains his slot while Spain-based midfielder Nosa Igiebor returns for the first time since the Africa Cup of Nations.

England-based Shola Ameobi and Lokomotiv Moscow’s Obinna Nsofor also return.

Usual suspects goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim, defenders Azubuike Egwuekwe, Solomon Kwambe and Benjamin Francis, as well as midfielders Sunday Mba and forward Muhammad Gambo headline the home boys’ contingent.

Defensive pillar Godfrey Oboabona has been called, but will come in as an overseas-based professional if he is able to conclude his transfer to Rizespor of Turkey in a few days.

All 24 home boys are expected at the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja, on Sunday, August 24, while the 18 Europe-based stars are expected to arrive unfailingly in Calabar on Monday, September 2.

“We are calling up 24 home boys in order to be able to identify new players for the 2014 African Nations Championship, for which we have already qualified,” Keshi says.

Nigeria, on nine points, need only avoid defeat against seven-pointer Malawi at the UJ Esuene Stadium on September 7 to reach the 10-team final elimination round of the African qualifying race for next year’s showpiece in Brazil.

The friendly against the Etalons at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium three days later brings together the two teams that battled for the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in Soccercity, Johannesburg on February 10.

Nigeria won 1-0 that day.



LIST OF HOME-BASED PROFESSIONALS

Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers); Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland FC)



Defenders: Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Godfrey Oboabona

(Sunshine Stars); Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars); Umar Zango (Kano

Pillars); Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine

Stars); Chibuzor Okonkwo (Enugu Rangers); Yinka Adedeji (Sharks FC);

Ganiyu Ogungbe (Kwara United)



Midfielders: Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers); Solomon Jabason (Akwa

United); Olufemi Oladapo (Shooting Stars); Etebo Oghene (Warri

Wolves); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Moses Orkuma (Lobi Stars)



Forwards: Muhammad Gambo (Kano Pillars); Ifeanyi Edeh (Enyimba FC);

Mbah Ezekiel (Akwa United); Barnabas Imenger (Lobi Stars); Izu Azuka

(Sunshine Stars); Dimgba Stanley (Kwara United); Osadaiye Joseph

(Warri Wolves)



LIST OF FOREIGN-BASED PLAYERS

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel

Be’er Sheva, Israel)



Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal); Efe Ambrose

(Celtic FC, Scotland); James Okwuosa (Chippa United, South Africa)



Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Fegor Ogude

(Valerenga FC, Norway); John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal);

Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy);

Nnamdi Oduamadi (AC Milan, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain)



Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv,

Ukraine); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Emmanuel Emenike

(Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia);

Uche Nwofor (VVV Venlo, Netherlands)

malawi should get ready for a demolishing. with our full squad here, we can challenge any team in the world with confidence

Keshi should work on the defence , obaboana will likely be missing that match cos of his new signing affairs ,also Emeruo is injured .... These two central defenders contributes alot to that team. Keshi shld be able to see a replacement for them out of the 42 invitees



Go Super Eagles ! You have done it before and you can do it again and again !!!

wow, this squad is capable of beating any nation if only boss keshi makes the right selections at the right time. up eagles jorrrr!!!