TheCable

Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, has invited Obafemi Martins for Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Swaziland.

The Seattle Sounders striker is joined by 22 players which include six home-based players.

Martins, who was last called up by Nigeria in March 2013 for a 2014 World Cup qualifier against Kenya, admitted he was surprised to be in coach Oliseh’s 23-man list.

“It was a bit of a shock, but a nice shock,” Martins, who has scored 15 goals for his MLS side this season, told BBC Sport.

“I’m very happy because I have always worked hard, supported and respected all the players picked by the coaches.

“I thank coach Oliseh for this great opportunity. I’m just looking forward to going out there and playing for Nigeria again.”

Six home-based professionals, who all played notable roles in Nigeria’s qualification for the 4th African Nations Championship at the expense of Burkina Faso, are in the squad.

The two-legged fixture will take place over four days in November. The first leg is in Lobamba on Friday, November 13 and the return at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, November 17.

THE FULL LIST

Goalkeepers

Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Dele Alampasu (Club de Sportivo Feirense, Portugal)

Defenders

Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Kalu Orji (Enugu Rangers); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz, Germany); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors)

Midfielders

Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Wilfred Ndidi (KRC Genk, Belgium); Sylvester Igbonu (FC UFA, Russia)

Forwards

Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Obafemi Martins (Seattle Sounders, USA)