Nigeria hand Newcastle defender Babayaro another chance

Celestine Babayaro listens to the Nigerian national anthem before a match against Oaraguay in March 2002. Babayaro has been given one last chance to show his commitment to Nigeria after he was picked in a 22-man squad to face Gabon in a World Cup qualifier later this month.

Newcastle defender Celestine Babayaro has been given one last chance to show his commitment to Nigeria after he was picked in a 22-man squad to face Gabon in a World Cup qualifier later this month.

"This is his last chance," Nigeria coach Christian Chukwu said Thursday.

"If he doesn't come this time, we will take it that he has lost interest in the national team and we will concentrate on those who are ready to play."

The 26-year-old Babayaro last played for the Super Eagles at the Nations Cup in 2004 but was sent home along with Victor Agali and Portsmouth's Yakubu Aiyegbeni for disciplinary reasons.

Also included is midfielder Yusuf Ayila, who has been in impressive form for Dynamo Kiev this season.

"He has done well so far and deserves to come and prove himself with the others," said Chukwu.

Nigeria

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (no club), Austin Ejide (Etoile du Sahel/TUN)

Defenders: Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow/RUS), Celestine Babayaro (Newcastle/ENG), Joseph Yobo (Everton/ENG), Ifeanyi Udeze (PAOK Salonika/GRE), Obinna Nwaneri (Esperance/TUN), Joseph Enakarhire (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Taye Taiwo (Olympique Marseille/FRA)

Midfielders: Seyi Olofinjana (Wolverhampton Wanderers/ENG), Austin Okocha (Bolton Wanderers/ENG), Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev/UKR), Christian Obodo (Fiorentina/ITA), Wilson Oruma (Sochaux/FRA), Ifeanyi Ekwueme (Aris Salonika/GRE), Garba Lawal (Santa Clara/POR)

Strikers: Nwankwo Kanu (West Bromwich Albion/ENG), Obafemi Martins (Inter/ENG), Julius Aghahowa (Shakhtar Donetsk/UKR), John Utaka (RC Lens/FRA), Osaze Odemwingie (Lille/FRA), Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Portsmouth/ENG)