Sports - Nigeria Omit Mikel And Odemwingie From Squad

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has omitted Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi and West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie from the squad for next month's 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Liberia in Monronvia.

But there is a recall for Ukraine-based Brown Ideye and Emmanuel Emenike of Russia's Spartak Moscow.

Mikel, 25, has not played for Nigeria since Keshi took over last year. Another notable foreign-based absentee is defender Taye Taiwo, who plays for Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine.

But forward Ideye is making a return to the Super Eagles fold for the first time since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

He will join 11 locally based players that drew 0-0 with Niger in an international friendly in Niamey last week.

Keshi is confident he has given a chance to players who are regulars at their respective clubs.

"It's important to give everyone an equal chance to represent Nigeria," Keshi told reporters. "We've called up players based on current form and ability to fit into our immediate plans.

"The door is not shut on anyone or group of players. Let's continue to build and put out a strong Super Eagles squad.

"Those that have been invited must show they deserve it and those not here must support them as well."

Nigeria's foreign-based squad:

Goalkeeper: Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel)

Defenders: Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Efe Ambrose (Ashdod FC, Israel), Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal)

Midfielders: Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis, Spain), Obiora Nwankwo (Calcio Padova, Italy); Victor Moses (Wigan Athletic, England), Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia)

Strikers: Ikechukwu Uche (Villarreal, Spain), Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine)