Seven British-based players included in Super Eagles party for Brazil 2014.
Three Chelsea players have been named in Nigeria’s provisional squad for this summer’s World Cup.
Midfielder John Obi Mikel is joined in Stephen Keshi’s 30-man party by club teammates Victor Moses and Kenneth Omeruo, who are currently on loan at Liverpool and Middlesbrough respectively.
Stoke City striker Peter Odemwingie, on-loan Norwich City centre-back Joseph Yobo and Newcastle United super sub Shola Ameobi are the other English-based players to be called up.
Celtic defender Efe Ambrose also makes the first draft, but Hull City’s Sone Aluko misses out.
Seattle Sounders frontman Obafemi Martins, who has scored 18 goals in 39 senior international appearances, is another high-profile absentee.
Nigeria will believe that they have a realistic chance of progressing to the knockout stages of Brazil 2014, having been drawn in Group F, alongside Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iran and Argentina.
The Super Eagles have only gone beyond the group phase at a World Cup twice, reaching the last 16 in 1994 and 1998.
Provisional squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva), Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland), Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United).
Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco), Efe Ambrose (Glasgow Celtic), Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC), Joseph Yobo (Norwich City), Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars).
Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Ramon Azeez (Almeria), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio), Joel Obi (Parma), Nnamdi Oduamadi (Varese), Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers), Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis), Sunday Mba (Bastia), Reuben Gabriel (Waasland-Beveren), Michael Babatunde (Volyn Lutsk).
Strikers: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce), Obinna Nsofor (Chievo), Peter Odemwingie (Stoke City), Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge), Victor Moses (Liverpool), Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen).
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