Martins Recalled To Nigeria Squad

Obafemi Martins has been recalled to Nigeria’s squad for their World Cup qualifier in Mozambique © PA Photo

Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins has been recalled to Nigeria’s squad for their World Cup qualifier in Mozambique at the end of the month, the Nigeria Football Association said.

Martins last played for Nigeria at the African Nations Cup finals in Ghana more than a year ago.

Coach Shaibu Amodu has also included John Obi Mikel of Chelsea and captain Nwankwo Kanu, used mostly as substitute by his English Premier League club Portsmouth this season, for the Group B match in Maputo on March 29.

The game is the first for Nigeria in the final phase of African qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

There is a first call-up for midfielder Olufemi Ajilore, who plays in the Netherlands for FC Groningen.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Dele Aiyenugba (FC Beni Yehuda, Israel), Austin Ejide (Bastia, France), Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), and

Defenders: Dele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam, Netherlands), Onyekachi Apam (OG Nice, France), Yusuf Mohammed, Obinna Nwaneri (both 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, Netherlands), Sani Kaita (FC Kuban, Russia), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea, England), Ikechukwu Uche (Getafe, Spain), Kalu Uche (Almeria, Spain).

Forwards: Joseph Akpala (FC Brugge, Belgium), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth, England), Obafemi Martins (Newcastle United, England), Obinna Nsofor (Inter Milan, Italy), Chinedu Obasi (Hoffenheim, Germany), Peter Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia).