Sani Kaita returns to Nigeria squad
Nigeria midfielder Sani Kaita is included in the squad to face Iran in a friendly in Tehran on 17 November.
Kaita will return to the Nigeria squad for the first time since he was sent off for the Super Eagles in their World Cup game against Greece in South Africa.
Kaita who plays his club football in Ukraine will join up with the Nigeria squad that has picked three uncapped players. Edward Ofere, Fengor Ogude and Michael Odibe receive their first call ups to the Nigerian squad.
Captain Joseph Yobo and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mickel were not picked for the international side.
Kaita is one of 13 players in the 20 man squad that plays his football in Europe. The remaining seven players come from the Nigerian domestic league.
The game was put into doubt after FIFA banned Nigeria from international football due to government interference with Nigeria’s Football Federation.
However, FIFA reversed their decision on the ban shortly after they imposed it and now the football associations of both countries have agreed to play the match.
Robinson Okosun, a spokesman representing the NFF said, “The game will take place in Tehran and both countries have signed the contract."
"The players were a bit unsure due to the FIFA suspension, but now invitations are being sent out to the invited players,” he added.
Kaita will be pleased that he will get a chance to put his World Cup nightmare behind him. The midfielder will look to impress if selected.
Okosun said, "It is still a rebuilding process for us [after the World Cup disappointment], so we are giving opportunities to other young players as well."
Nigeria still haven’t appointed a permanent coach and Austin Eguavoen will continue his role as caretaker.
Okosun said, "Eguavoen will be in charge for this game and the decision over a substantive coach for the team will be looked into soon."
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