Peter Kumwenda BBC Sport in Lilongwe

Mtawali played with Toulouse in France

Malawi's veteran midfielder Ernest Mtawali says he wants to come out of retirement to represent his country in their crucial Nations Cup qualifier against Nigeria.

37-year-old Mtawali, who retired from international football two years ago and is currently without a club, said he wanted new coach Alan Gillet to keep him in his plans.

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"I haven't played football for some time," he said. "I don't want to be featured for what I am known to be. I want the coaches to assess me like any other player."

Mtawali is considered one of the greatest footballers Malawi has ever produced.

We have included him in the squad to face Nigeria Chris Kampinda Banda, Malawi FA

He has played in South Africa, Italy, Argentina, France and the Middle East.

Malawi FA secretary-general, Chris Kampinda Banda said Mtawali had been in touch with him and that Gillet had agreed to give him a chance.

"We have since included him in the squad called into camp to face Nigeria," said Banda.

And he added that the midfielder would be part of a squad that is going to Harare next week to play Zimbabwe in a friendly

Mtawali is the second Malawi player to have shown interest to come out of retirement for the Nigeria game.