by Mark Bassey

The Nigerian Football Federation has called up 23 players for next month’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against the Red Devils of Congo and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.

The Federation released a list on Tuesday, 18 August, which included Super Eagles regulars, captain, Vincent Enyeama, midfielders Ogenyi Onazi and John Mikel Obi, defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Efe Ambrose, and forwards Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike.

The trio of Elderson Echiejile, Nosa Igiebor and Chinedu Obasi, who missed out on the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil were also included in the list for the back-to-back matches in September.

The Eagles get a boost with the return of midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, who has recovered from the injury he suffered in the round of 16 defeat by France.

Nigeria will square up to Congo in Calabar on 6 September before facing the South Africans on 10 September in Cape Town.

See full list below:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United, Nigeria)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Joel Obi (Inter Milan, Italy); Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain); Omatsone Aluko (Hull City, England)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Chinedu Obasi (Schalke 04, Germany); Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen FC, Netherlands); Nnamdi Oduamadi (AS Varese 1910, Italy); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Christian Osaguona (Enugu Rangers)

Kolapo Olapoju