Nigeria recalled Hoffenheim forward Chinedu Obasi and Queens Park Rangers defender Danny Shittu on Wednesday in a 25-man squad for games against Madagascar and Argentina next month.
Defender Dele Adeleye and striker Brown Ideye also make a return in the Super Eagles squad for the African Cup of Nations qualifier in Madagascar on Sept. 4 and the friendly against Argentina in Dhaka, Bangladesh two days later.
Obasi hasn't played for Nigeria for over a year because of a stress fracture to his left shin sustained at last year's World Cup in South Africa.
Shittu was also at the World Cup but has rarely been used by coach Samson Siasia since.
Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, whose father was freed this week after being kidnapped in Nigeria, was also included by Siasia, as was West Bromwich Albion striker Peter Odemwingie.
Uncapped 20-year-old Hapoel Tel Aviv midfielder Nosa Igiebor, an under-23 international, earned his first call-up to the senior squad.
Nigeria faces Madagascar in two weeks in a crucial game for the Super Eagles in qualifying for the 2012 African Cup of Nations. Nigeria is three points behind Group B leader Guinea - and automatic qualification - with two matches to go. The Super Eagles host Guinea in early October in the final round of qualifiers.
Nigeria's friendly against Argentina will be the second time the countries have met this year. Nigeria pulled off a surprising 4-1 win over the South Americans in Abuja in June in a match being investigated by world body FIFA for suspicious betting patterns and possible match-fixing links. No players are accused of wrongdoing.
Nigeria will also play Ghana in a rescheduled friendly in London on Oct. 11 after their meeting this month was canceled because of the unrest in the British capital.
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Squad:
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama, Dele Aiyenugba, Chigozie Agbim.
Defenders: Chibuzor Okonkwo, Elderson Echiejile, Joseph Yobo, Yusuf Ayila, Efe Ambrose, Dele Adeleye, Danny Shittu.
Midfielders: John Obi Mikel, Fegor Ogude, Joel Obi, Kalu Uche, Nosa Igiebor.
Forwards: Obinna Nsofor, Victor Anichebe, Ikechukwu Uche, Peter Odemwingie, Emmanuel Emenike, Solomon Okoronkwo, Peter Utaka, Chinedu Obasi, Brown Ideye, Ahmed Musa.
