Chukwu has also added goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, Ifeanyi Udeze, Joseph Yobo, Taiye Taiwo and Belgium-based Tosin Dosunmu to the squad from the Unity Cup.

BBC: SPORT | Football | African | Nigeria omit Okocha

However, no less than ten of their stars from the latest campaign, including internationals Vincent Enyeama and Obinna Nwaneri, are expected to leave this time.

BBC: SPORT | Football | African | Emordi targets hat-trick

The Paris St Germain midfielder found some space in the middle of the Nigerian half and struck an excellent long-range effort that grazed the crossbar leaving goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama stranded.

BBC: Nigeria 1-0 Benin

The defender took a deep breath and sent his kick high into the roof of Enyeama goal, to the delight of his team-mates and the thousands of Tunisia fans at Stade Rades.

BBC: Tunisia 1-1 Nigeria (5-3 on penalties)

The South Americans remained the more likely to score, but they were either wasteful or unable to beat Enyeama, who kept his side as a credible threat in the match with further impressive saves from Higuain and Messi.

BBC: Argentina 1-0 Nigeria

Twice in the first 20 minutes Messi ran at the Nigeria defence and provided scoring opportunities for Higuain, but the first the Real Madrid striker put past the near post from three yards out and then saw his angled drive from further out blocked by Enyeama.

BBC: Argentina 1-0 Nigeria

There was still time in the final few minutes for Messi to slightly blot his copybook by allowing Enyeama to save from six yards when he should have scored but it is harsh to take away from what was a superb display from the forward and an encouraging victory for Maradona's men.

BBC: Argentina 1-0 Nigeria