Obi Mikel, Victor Moses And Elderson Echiejile Handed International Lifelines As Oliseh Names Squad For Friendlies

Influential Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has been handed a recall to the national team for the upcoming friendlies against Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo in Belgium.

Lazio man Eddy Onazi, Watford striker Odion Ighalo as well as Chelsea loanee Victor Moses are all set earn their first caps under Sunday Oliseh , with the trio all named in the 24 - man squad announced by the Nigeria Federation on Friday.

Uniao da Madeira defender Abdullahi Shehu has been invited to the Super Eagles get - together for the first time alongside six players in the domestic championship.

Nigeria will take on Democratic Republic of Congo on October 8 before facing off against perennial rivals Cameroon three days later.

Anthony Ujah (Werder Bremen), Joel Obi (Torino), Izunna Uzochukwu (Amkar Perm), Lukman Haruna (Anzhi), Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin) and Emem Eduok (Esperance) , who were invited for the AFCON qualifying tie against Tanzania, were not called up this time around.

Nigeria 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)