 Okocha retired from international football in February |
Injuries to two key-players have forced the Nigeria to recall former captain Jay Jay Okocha for their Nations Cup qualifier against Niger.
The Qatar-based player, who announced his retirement from international football after the Nations Cup in Egypt in February, will replace Lazio's Stephen Makinwa, who is injured for the match on 2 September.
George Abbey of the English side Port Vale, whose last appearance for the Super Eagles was in 2004, will fill the void created by the absence of Russia-based Chidi Odiah.
"It's a massive blow to lose [Stephen] Makinwa and [Chidi] Odiah through injury but there is nothing anyone can do about that," Nigerian coach Austin Eguavoen told BBC Sport on Saturday.
"All our players are important to the country and that applies to team captain Okocha.
"I only read of his retirement on the pages of newspapers but he never informed me or the FA of hanging his boots, so we will be expecting his return next week.
Nigeria FA spokesman Robinson Okosun told BBC Sport that Okocha has confirmed his arrival for the game in Abuja.
"We have already spoken with him and he promised to come down for the game, which is a massive boost to the squad," Okosun said.
"His experience is invaluable and the coaches are delighted of his decision to make a return."
Okocha was released by the English side Bolton in May after four years at the club.
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