Aiyegbeni is included in the 24-man squad

Nigeria have included striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni in their squad for the opening 2008 Nations Cup qualifier against Niger on 2 September.

The England-based player was named among the 24-man squad for the match in Abuja.

Aiyegbeni has not played for the Super Eagles since September last year.

He fell out with coach Austin Eguavoen after he was not picked as first choice striker for the country's crucial 2006 World Cup qualifier in Algeria.

The Middlesbrough striker stayed away from the Nations Cup in Egypt earlier this year, where Nigeria finished third.

There was also a comeback for Wolverhampton midfielder Seyi Olofinjana, who missed the Nations Cup, because of a serious back injury.

Uncapped Ukraine-based striker Emmanuel Okoduwa, who plays for Shakhtar Donetsk, was given his first national team call-up.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Bnei-Yehuda, Israel), Austin Ejide (Bastia, France), Dele Aiyenugba (Enyimba)

Defenders: Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Taye Taiwo (Olympique Marseille, France), Joseph Yobo (Everton, England), Obinna Nwaneri (Esperance, Tunisia), Joseph Enakarhire (Dynamo Moscow, Russia), Ekene Emigo, Nojeem Raji (Enyimba), Ndala Ibrahim (Wikki Tourists)

Midfielders: Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Seyi Olofinjana (Wolverhampton, England), Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Wilson Oruma (Olympique Marseille, France), Christian Obodo (Udinese, Italy), Nasiru Salisu (Nasarawa United)