ALSO READ: Keshi releases squad list to face Chad; Mikel,Emenike missing
Mikel has not played for Nigeria since November but Keshi insists the door remains open for the midfielder.
“He’s an integral member of this team who brings a lot to it. Right now we are only giving opportunities to some new players,” he added.
Another notable foreign-based absentee is defender Elderson Echiejile, who plays for Monaco in France’s Ligue 1.
But there is a surprise recall for Slovakia-based Rabiu Ibrahim, who has yet to make his senior debut, while Watford’s Odion Ighalo is expected to make his competitive debut against Chad in Kaduna on 13 June.
There were first-time call-ups for William Troost-Ekong, Kingsley Madu and Anderson Esiti.
The 15 foreign-based stars will join other locally based players at their Abuja camp next week.
Keshi, who won the Nations Cup as a player with Nigeria in 1994 and coach in 2013, is confident he can revive the Super Eagles after their failure to qualify for the recent finals in Equatorial Guinea.
“We have a big task ahead to rebuild this team and I am confident we are going to bounce back,” said Keshi.
“The door is not shut on anyone; those invited must show they deserve it by giving their best.”
– BBC
This post was last modified on November 30, 2018 1:37 pm
Fulham FC star Alex Iwobi marks a milestone today as he celebrates his birthday, Soccernet.ng… Read More
Super Eagles and Leicester City striker, Kelechi Promise Iheanacho, has rejected a new deal from… Read More
Club Brugge coach Nicky Hayen has defended Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika after he was… Read More
Six-time UEFA Champions League winners, Liverpool, have joined Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in the race… Read More
Raphael Onyedika’s red card stole the spotlight in the Conference League semi-finals clash between Club… Read More