Joseph Yobo recalled to Nigeria squad for friendly with Mexico

Nigeria have recalled Norwich City's Joseph Yobo to their squad for a friendly with Mexico in USA on 5 March.

The 33-year-old has not played for Nigeria since they won the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa last year.

Yobo is Nigeria's most-capped player with 93 appearances and now has a chance to go to the World Cup.

"I've always said Yobo is my captain and he'd be recalled when needed so people shouldn't be surprised," coach Stephen Keshi told BBC Sport.

As expected uncapped trio Imoh Ezekiel, Ramon Azeez and Michael Uchebo are in the squad too.

But there is no place in the squad for regular quintet Sunday Mba, Brown Ideye, John Ogu, Nnamdi Oduamadi and Chigozie Agbim.

In-form Villarreal striker Ikechukwu Uche and Stoke City's Peter Odemwingie have also been overlooked for the game in the United States.

It will be the second time in 10 months that the sides have met in a friendly in the US - they played out a 2-2 draw in Houston on 31 May.

Nigeria face Argentina, Iran and Bosnia-Hercegovina in Group F at the 2014 World Cup, while Mexico play in Group A against hosts and five-time winners Brazil, Croatia and Cameroon.

Nigeria squad to face Mexico in Atlanta:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Efe Ambrose (Celtic, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough, England); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Joseph Yobo (Norwich City, England); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Victor Moses (Liverpool, England); Shehu Abdullahi (Kano Pillars); Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce, Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona, Italy); Bright Dike (Toronto FC, USA), Imoh Ezekiel (Standard Liege, Belgium); Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium)