Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has excluded captain John Obi Mikel from the squad for upcoming matches against Seychelles and Egypt, according to the official team announcement.
The Super Eagles will host Seychelles in Asaba on March 22 for a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier before facing Egypt in a friendly four days later at the same venue.
Mikel, who last featured for Nigeria during the 2018 World Cup campaign, has not appeared in official matches since the team's group-stage exit in Russia. However, the midfielder has been in strong form for Middlesbrough in England's second division following his January return from China.
The squad includes two debutants: Valentin Ozornwafor, who impressed at the U20 African Championship in Niger, and Paul Onuachu, a consistent scorer for Danish club FC Midtjylland.
Selected Players:
- Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Anorthosis Famagusta), Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Katsina United), Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs)
- Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino), Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor), Valentine Ozornwafor (Enyimba), Chidozie Awaziem (Caykur Rizespor), William Ekong (Udinese), Leon Balogun (Brighton), Kenneth Omeruo (Leganes), Jamilu Collins (Padeborn)
- Midfielders: Semi Ajayi (Rotherham), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester), Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke), John Ogu (Be'er Sheva)
- Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassar), Victor Osimhen (Charleroi), Moses Simon (Levante), Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray), Odion Ighalo (Shanghai Shenhua), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal), Samuel Kalu (Bordeaux), Paul Onuachu (Midtjylland)
