John Obi Mikel is back in the Nigeria squad for their vital clash with Kenya

Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu has been forced to call up midfielder Kalu Uche to the squad for the vital World Cup qualifier against Kenya on 14 November.

Sani Kaita has been forced to pull out of the squad with injury and Uche, who was originally left out of the line-up, is to replace him.

Uche joins a squad which also includes the Chelsea star John Obi Mikel.

The midfielder missed the recent match against Mozambique and has not played for his club at all in October.

But he could make his return for Chelsea in their European Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Despite the injury concerns, coach Shaibu Amodu has named Mikel in his squad for the crucial clash in Kenya.

Nigeria trail Tunisia by two points in African qualifying group B and must win in Nairobi to stand any chance of making it to South Africa 2010.

Everton striker Yakubu Aiyegbenni also returns to the squad after recovering from a long-term injury.

Her started his first match for more than 10 months when he turned out for his club against Aston Villa at the end of October.

Amodu has also recalled Russian-based defender Chidi Odiah and Brugge striker Joseph Akpala.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Dele Aiyenugba (FC Bnei Yehuda, Israel), Greg Etafia (Moroka Swallows, South Africa), Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel)

Defenders: Dele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam, Holland), Onyekachi Apam (Nice, France), Elderson Echieljile (Stade Rennes, France), Obinna Nwaneri (FC Sion, Switzerland), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Daniel Shittu (Bolton Wanderers, England), Taye Taiwo (Olympique Marseille, France), Joseph Yobo (Everton, England)

Midfielders: Olufemi Ajilore (FC Groningen, Holland), Yusuf Ayila (Dinamo Kiev, Ukraine), Kalu Uche (Almeria, Spain), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea, England), Seyi Olofinjana (Hull City, England)

Forwards: Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton, England), Joseph Akpala (FC Brugge, Belgium), Michael Eneramo (Esperance, Tunisia), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth, England), Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg, Germany) Obinna Nsofor (Malaga, Spain), Osaze Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version