Francis Uzoho has made a surprise return to the Super Eagles after a long time away, as head coach Eric Chelle released a 55-man provisional squad for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Uzoho, who has been out of the team for a long while following poor form and strong criticism from fans, is back in contention alongside first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye, Amas Obasogie and newcomer Ebenezer Harcourt.
The experienced goalkeeper is one of several returning players, with Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella and Igoh Ogbu also making their way back into the squad after missing recent international games.
As expected, captain William Ekong, top striker Victor Osimhen, midfield star Wilfred Ndidi and winger Samuel Chukwueze are included. Other regulars like Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Ademola Lookman, Simon Moses and Chidera Ejuke also make the list.
The provisional squad features players from the Nigeria Premier League, including Abdulrasheed Shehu, Ebenezer Harcourt, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji and Adekunle Adeleke. Several new faces — such as Ryan Alebiosu, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi, Philip Otele, Salim Fago Lawal and Emmanuel Michael — have also been given a chance.
A final list of 28 players will be selected soon.
The Super Eagles will travel to Egypt on Wednesday, 10 December, for a training camp and friendly matches before the tournament begins on Sunday, 21 December. Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.
FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Maduka Okoye, Adebayo Adeleye, Francis Uzoho, Ebenezer Harcourt
Defenders:
William Ekong, Olaoluwa Aina, Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Felix Agu, Ryan Alebiosu, Adekunle Adeleke
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Tochukwu Nnadi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Usman Muhammed, Peter Agba, Tom Dele-Bashiru
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Olakunle Olusegun, Sadiq Umar, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Abdulrasheed Shehu, Rafiu Durosinmi, Ekeson Okorie, Chisom Orji, Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi, Philip Otele, Salim Fago Lawal, Emmanuel Michael