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Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has said Joseph Yobo is ready for a comeback and so his call-up for a World Cup warm-up against Mexico.
Skipper Yobo, 33, who is closing in on a century of caps has not played for Nigeria since the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations a year ago.
He is one 23 players named for a March 5 friendly against fellow World Cup finalists Mexico in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
“I had told you before that Yobo was a part of this team. That when the time is right, he would make a return. Now Yobo is ready and he is making his comeback,” Keshi told MTNFootball.com from his base in USA, where he is on holidays.
“There are several players I invited also whom I have not seen since last year. There a need to see them again and know how ready they are and see if the fresh ones can fit in to our plans for the World Cup.”
Nigeria squad for Mexico warm-up
These players will include Israel-based leftback Juwon Oshaniwa, while uncapped Ramon Azeez, Imoh Ezekiel and Michael Uchebo will get a chance to stake a claim for a place on the final World Cup squad.
Keshi said the Mexico warm-up will be the only opening for him before the squad regroup in Houston, USA, for the World Cup training camp on May 25. “The Mexico friendly is very important. It’s about the only time we have to see some of the players before our camp in Houston for the World Cup,” Keshi said.
“So, it’s very important we assess the players, but more importantly it’s a family reunion for us to plan and discuss the on strategies for the big one, which is the World Cup in Brazil.”
