WC Qualifier: Okoye returns, Ismail invited in Super Eagles squad for South Africa, Benin

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Super Eagles Head Coach Finidi George has released a 23-man squad ahead of June’s World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

Two home-based players, representing Enyimba and Remo Stars, have been selected in the squad.

The former Enyimba gaffer extended invitation to Remo Stars defender Ismail Sadiq who has been in tremendous form this season.

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Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye returns to the Super Eagles team after a long time out.

George listed three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and eight attackers in the squad.

AFCON revelation Stanley Nwabali is invited alongside Enyimba shot stopper Ojo Olorunleke. Regulars Chidozie Awaziem and Bright Osayi-Samuel make the 23-man list.

Also included in the squad list are Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and former Bendel Insurance defender Benjamin Tanimu.

There are no surprises in the midfield selection with the likes of Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi listed.

Regular suspects Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, and Samuel Chukwueze are selected. There are also places for Terem Moffi, Paul Onuachu, Nathan Tella, and Europa League winner Ademola Lookman.

There is no place for Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi and Real Sociedad forward Umar Sadiq.

Nigeria will face South Africa on June 7 while the team battle Benin Republic three days later.

FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC).

Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Sadiq Ismael (Remo Stars FC); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Ihefu SC, Tanzania); Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal).

Midfielders: Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England).

Forwards: Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy).