Chelsea's Mikel recalled by Nigeria for AFCON qualifier

Nigeria have recalled Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi for the second leg of their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Liberia.

Mikel opted out of the 2-2 draw in the first leg away in Monrovia but he has been recalled for the 13 October return game to be played in Calabar.

The 25-year-old has yet to play for the Super Eagles since coach Stephen Keshi took over the team in November.

Former schoolboy star Ogenyi Onazi is included after impressing for Lazio.

He has featured this season as an attacking midfielder for the Serie A club after coming through their youth set-up.

There are also recalls for goalkeeper Austin Ejide as well as Inter Milan ace Joel Obi.

The 15 overseas-based pros are to be joined by 23 players from the domestic league, led by young Lobi Stars striker Tony Okpotu.

Nigeria squad:

Goalkeepers: Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva/ISR), Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv/ISR), Chigozie Agbim (Warri Wolves), Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland)

Defenders: Joseph Yobo (Fenerbache/TUR), Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga/POR), Efe Ambrose (Celtic/SCO), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Papa Idris, Umar Zango (Kano Pillars), Solomon Kwambe, Godfrey Oboabona, (Sunshine Stars), Ezekiel Bassey (Lobi Stars), Kingsley Udoh (Heartland)

Midfielders: Joel Obi (Inter Milan/ITA), Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis/ESP), Obiora Nwankwo (Padova/ITA), John Mikel Obi (Chelsea/ENG), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio/ITA), Gabriel Reuben (Kano Pillars), Henry Uche (Enyimba), Christian Ofili (ABS), Solomon Jabason (Akwa United), Philip Asuquo (3SC)

Forwards: Victor Moses (Chelsea/ENG), Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow/RUS), Ike Uche (Villarreal/ESP), Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow/RUS), Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kiev/UKR), Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers), Sunday Mba (Warri Wolves), Sanusi Sani (Gombe United), Izu Azuka (Sunshine Stars), Brendan Ogbu (Heartland), Tony Okpotu (Lobi Stars), Manir Ubale (Kano Pillars), Gomo Ondoku (Sharks), Fidelis Saviour (FC Taraba)