The Nigerian national team manager Stephen Keshi has decided to omit Premier league stars John obi Mikel and Peter Odemwingie from the match against Liberia next month. Nigeria will be playing against Liberia in the 2013 African cup of nations qualifier match.

This is a hugely important match for the national team, but they have decided to leave out the stars in the form of John obi Mikel and Peter Odemwingie for this match. Stephen Keshi will be looking to get the best out of the replacements for these high profile players, who have not been up to the best for the national team in the last few months.

John obi Mikel has been a major absentee from the Nigerian national team for quite a while now. Since Stephen Keshi took over the charge of the Nigerian national team, he has not called the Chelsea star for one match. John obi Mikel has been in the form of his life after helping Chelsea win the Champions League and the FA Cup titles last season. It is not known whether John obi Mikel will be part of the African cup of nations if Nigeria qualify for the tournament.

"It's important to give everyone an equal chance to represent Nigeria. We've called up players based on current form and ability to fit into our immediate plans. The door is not shut on anyone or group of players. Let's continue to build and put out a strong Super Eagles squad. Those that have been invited must show they deserve it and those not here must support them as well," Keshi told BBC Sport after announcing the squad for the match against Liberia. A total of 11 players who are playing local football are part of the squad, which will be a major boost to Nigerian football.