Serge Gakpe is one of the players who could play for Benin

However the list includes French youth internationals and a Senegalese playing in France.

Benin's football federation compiled the list from clubs across Europe in response to an invitation, on their website, for players across the world originally from Benin or of Beninoise origin to contact them.

The list, published on their website, includes French youth internationals Serge Gakpe of Monaco and Razack Boukary of Lens, both of whom previously resisted attempts by Benin's neighbour Togo to persuade them to play in the 2006 World Cup.

Also listed are French under-17 internationals Irele Apo and Serge Akakpo, both of AJ Auxerre. Akakpo was born in Togo.

The Senegalese on the list is Basile Yehoume, born in Dakar and who played at Stade Reims in France's Ligue 1 last season.

The majority of the footballers listed are from clubs in France but very few have senior experience or have played in a top division. Also included were players from amateur clubs in Germany.

The federation said officials would visit likely candidates and several could be included in preparations starting on 23 December in Cotonou.

Benin, who will be making their second Nations Cup finals appearance, last week replaced coach Wabi Gomez with German Reinhard Fabsich.