Mikel returns to Eagles

.As Keshi releases list for Liberia

Mikel Obi in action for Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi will return to the Super Eagles against the Lone Stars of Liberia for the second leg of the 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier slated for Saturday, October 13 in Calabar, Cross River State according to the squad list released by Coach Stephen Keshi on Tuesday.

Mikel was named as one of the 15 foreign professionals that will make up the squad that will tackle the Lone Stars for the ticket to the continental football championship in South Africa after being absent from the team for some time.

The return of the former Lyn Oslo of Norway player had been hinted at by Keshi, who said that both Mikel and Westbrom striker, Osaze Odemwingie were still relevant to the team.

Others on the list include Joel Obi, Austin Ejide, Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile, Ambrose Efe, Nosa Igiebor, Nwankwo Obiora, Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa, Ikechukwu  Uche, Emmanuel Emenike, and Brown Ideye.

One unexpected inclusion in the list was Ogenyi Onazi of Lazio who earned a call up for the crucial AFCON tie.

Keshi also named 23 local players to join their foreign counterparts. These were Agbim Chigozie, Akpeyi Daniel, Egwuekwe Azubuike, Papa Idris, Oboabona Godfrey, Zango Umar, Kwambe Solomon, Ezekiel Bassey, Kingsley Udoh, Uzoenyi Ejike, Mba Sunday. Others were Gabriel Reuben, Henry Uche, Christian Ofili, Jabason Solomon, Sanusi Sani, Philip Asoquo, Izu Azuka, Brendon Ogbu, Anthony Okpotu, Ubale Manir, Ohanduku Gomo and Fidelis Favour.

Media officer of the team, Ben Alaiya also confirmed that the team’s camp will open at the Bolton White Hotel in Abuja on Sunday, September 30 as Daily Independent had earlier reported. Local players are expected to make it to the camp on this day while the 15 foreign pros named will join them a week after on October 8.

It would be recalled that the coach had revealed that he wanted the camp to open up early so that the team would be better prepared for Liberia than it was when it took on the Lone Stars in Monrovia on September 8.