Oliseh recalls Mikel, Victor Moses, others for Congo, Cameroon friendlies

Mikel Obi

By Toby Prince

Mikel ObiSuper Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, has invited 24 players for next month’s international friendly matches against Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced on Friday.

The former skipper made good of his promise of creating “room” for all players by handing invitation to some already established names in the country.

English Premier League trio of John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses and Odion Ighalo lead the group of returnees alongside SS Lazio of Italy midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, and AS Monaco defender, Elderson Echiejele.

Skipper, Vincent Enyeama, earns a recall after missing the last two games against Tanzania and Niger Republic respectively due to the loss of his mother.

Former youth international, Abdullahi Shehu, is handed his first senior call-up to the national team.

The Super Eagles play the Leopards of DR Congo on October 8 and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon three days later, in Belgium.

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

List of invited players:

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)