By Osasu Obayiuwana BBC Sport

Agali said he must balance club and country commitments

Victor Agali is ready to resume his international career with Nigeria's Super Eagles.

Agali, who plays in the German Bundesliga for Schalke 04, told BBC Sport that a conversation with national coach Christian Chukwu changed his earlier stance not to play for the country.

Agali quits Nigerian team

"He got in touch with me and said that things have changed for the better.

"If that is the case, I'm ready to play for Nigeria. It is still my country," Agali said.

One of Nigeria's leading scorers in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, the Schalke player said he has not been invited for the forthcoming Nations Cup qualifier against Malawi in March.

"At this moment, I have received no invitation for that game.

"But if I am eventually called up, I will check things out with my club.

As long as I can balance league and international duties, I'll play."

Agali recognised the unhappiness that his self-imposed absence has caused fans of the Nigerian team.

"The coach said I must think of the Nigerian supporters that love watching me play in the Super Eagles.

"For that reason alone, I'm ready to make a sacrifice for the country."

Agali rediscovered his club goalscoring form after a spell of injury.

He said that overcoming the initial setback is a welcome relief.

"It's been wonderful to get back to action, because when you're injured, it's difficult to come back.