Babayaro has been in self-imposed exile

The door is still open for Nigerian defender Celestine Babayaro to return to the Super Eagles, according to national coach Christian Chukwu.

Chukwu said Babayaro, who plays for English Premiership side Chelsea, will be recalled if he makes himself available.

Babayaro has been in self-imposed exile since the 2002 Nations Cup finals, when he fell out with the team's management after claiming that older players influenced team selection.

But Chukwu said the temperamental defender has not been discarded to the history books.

He said: "I'm ready to invite him to the team, he's welcome if he decides to come back."

Local newspapers this week quoted Babayaro's agent as saying the player had finalised plans with officials of the Nigerian Football Association (NFA) to return to the national side.

Babayaro played only one game at the Nations Cup in Mali, where Nigeria took the bronze medal.

Before Mali 2002 he had refused to play for his country after claiming that he was owed match bonuses and travel expenses from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Chukwu also disclosed that in an effort to strengthen the Super Eagles ahead of next year's Nations Cup finals in Tunisia, he will recall other overseas players who quit the team last year.

They include controversial defender Taribo West and goalkeeper Ike Shorounmu.