By Oluwashina Okeleji BBC Sport, Lagos

Anichebe has another opportunity to play for the country of his birth

Olympic coach Samson Siasia has called up Everton striker Victor Anichebe for Nigeria's crucial 2008 Olympic Games qualifier against South Africa.

The match will take place on 26 March in Abuja.

The youngster was left out of Nigeria's squad for the 2008 African Nations Cup by former Nigerian coach Berti Vogts.

Anichebe was born in Nigeria but moved to England when he was a baby.

And he is yet to play for his country of birth despite being called up several times.

But Siasia says he is giving another lifeline to the striker who is also sought after by the England under-21 team.

"He's a fantastic player and this is a great opportunity for him to be a part of this brilliant team on the verge of history," Siasia told BBC Sport.

"Surely, he must have been disappointed for not making the team to Ghana but all that should be in the past now.

"We hope he will take this chance and show how mentally strong he is because I see in him a fighter and a good striker.

Despite calls by fans and the media for their inclusion, the former international refused to call up John Mikel Obi of Chelsea and France-based Taye Taiwo.

Nigeria trail Ghana's Black Meteors by a single point but a win against South Africa's Amaglug-glug in the final match of the three-team group will seal qualification for the Dream Team IV.

The last game between both sides ended in a 1-1 draw at Rustenburg in 2007.

Nigeria won the Olympic gold medal in the 1996 games in Atlanta.