Nigeria coach Samson Siasia has handed a recall to Birmingham striker Obafemi Martins, a sign that he is impressed by the lad’s recent run of form in England.

Martins scored the winning goal in his team’s victory over English giants Arsenal in the Carling Cup final last month. He will now be expected to lead the front line for Nigeria in their must win AFCON qualifier against Ethiopia on March 27.

Also returning to the team after prolonged absence due to injury is Zaragoza’s Ike Uche who has not featured for Nigeria since 2009. Acquiescing to pressure, Siasia recalled Uche who has shown glimpses of his old self since he returned to playing last month.

Everton’s Victor Anichebe will also be making a return to the team after missing out on the World Cup due to injury.

Siasia has also recalled players from the silver-winning Olympic team of 2008 that he coached. Defenders Olufemi Olubayo of Xanthi, Dele Adeleye of Metalurg Donesk and Aalesund striker Solomon Okoronkwo have been on the fringes of the senior team but will now be expected to become part of his future plans.

Nigeria need to win this game against Ethiopia in order to maintain site of Group Four leaders Guinea.


Full squad below:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama, Dele Aiyenugba

Defenders: Chibuzor Okonkwo, Olubayo Adefemi, Taye Taiwo, Elderson Echiejile, Joseph Yobo, Dele Adeleye, Efe Ambrose

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi, Obiora Nwankwo, Joel Obi, Fegor Ogude, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Kalu Uche, Ahmed Musa

Strikers: Osaze Odemwingie, Victor Anichebe, Peter Utaka, Obinna Nsofor, Ikechukwu Uche, Ekigho Ehiosun, Solomon Okoronkwo, Obafemi Martins


http://www.goal.com/en/news/89/africa/2011/03/10/2388409/nigeria-recall-martins-ike-uche-and-anichebe-among-24

Victor Anichebe, Solomon Okoronkwo, what exactly do we need these guys for? Anichebe is yet to score a goal for Everton this season. Solomon Okoronkwo, only God knows where he plays and we have a Brown Ideye that's scoring with ease for Sochaux not called up.
Nnamdi Oduamadi has only featured once(as a sub) for AC Milan and he's being invited to the national team. This list is a huge joke, a put off.

^^^ Its like when "good" people enter places of authority they become "useless" What kind of team list is that? How many goals has Martins scored after that one against Birmingham? Who are these unknown waste pipes that he is bringing into the team?