Mikel, Moses, Ighalo earn Eagles recall

Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, has included midfielder John Obi Mikel and forwards Victor Moses and Odion Ighalo among 24 players for October’s friendly games against Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon in Belgium.

Captain Vincent Enyeama also returns and is joined by England-based Carl Ikeme, who in his debut kept clean sheets against Tanzania and Niger Republic in two internationals earlier this month.

Former junior international defender Abdullahi Shehu gets his first opportunity at senior level, and Moses Simon, who scored against Niger, is also considered, alongside home boys Chima Akas, Austin Oboroakpo, Paul Onobi, Prince Aggrey, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Femi Thomas.

The Super Eagles play Congo on October 8 and Cameroon three days later, in Belgium.

The winner of the preliminary round between Swaziland and Djibouti will host the Super Eagles on November 9 in a 2018 FIFA World Cup first round qualifier, with the Eagles hosting the return leg in Nigeria eight days later.

All invited players are expected to arrive in Belgium on Monday, October 5.

THE FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers

Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Femi Thomas (Enyimba FC)

Defenders

Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); William Troost Ekong (FK Haugesund, Norway); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa SK, Turkey); Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors)

Midfielders

Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars); Obiora Nwankwo (Coimbra FC, Portugal); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia)

Forwards

Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Al Ain, UAE); Sylvester Igbonu (FC UFA, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (West Ham United, England); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Prince Aggrey (Sunshine Stars)