Ike Uche finally recalled To the Nigerian team For 2015 AFCON Qualifiers {See Full List}

Nigeria have recalled Ikechukwu Uche to their squad ahead of next month’s pair of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Congo and South Africa.

Coach Stephen Keshi, who returns to his job after being edged out two weeks ago, is going to work with the Villareal striker almost two years after they parted ways following breakdown in relations.

Uche was conspicuously the best Nigeria striker in Europe last season but was ignored as Keshi opted for other strikers during the Super Eagles’ World Cup campaign.

Keshi’s return to the job is due to board room politics as the country’s leader waded in during the week to ensure factions in the Nigeria Football Federation sheathed their swords to avoid earning Fifa’s ire.

52-year-old Keshi, the country’s most successful local coach, has come under intense criticism for his handling of player invitations and his relations with NFF top brass who described him as increasingly difficult to handle.

After his contract ran out at the end of the World Cup, he was brought back to work in an interim role by the sports minister while elections were held for a new board that would negotiate terms for a new contract.

However, his team lost two of their four matches in the Afcon qualifiers, won one and drew the other and need to win their last two in order to qualify for Morocco 2015.

He was asked to leave a day after their 3-1 victory over Sudan in Abuja while former coach Amodu Shaibu was asked to step in and see through the remaining matches.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United, Nigeria)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Hope Akpan (Reading FC, England); Raheem Lawal (Eskisehirspor FC, Turkey); Omatsone Aluko (Hull City, England); Tony Edjomari (Nasarawa United, Nigeria)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves, Nigeria); Osaguona Ighodaro (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria); Ikechukwu Uche (Villareal FC, Spain); Aaron Samuel (Guangzhou R&F, China); Sunday Emmanuel (SV Scholz Grodig, Austria); Babatunde Michael (Volyn Lutsk, Ukraine): Emem Eduok (Dolphins FC, Nigeria)