The former Newcastle man was doubtful for the biennial tournament after undergoing surgery on a shin injury recently.

However, Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu opted to include him in the squad and leave out Hoffenheim striker Chinedu Obasi.

Everton defender Joseph Yobo, Bolton Wanderers centre back Danny Shittu and Sion's Yusuf Mohamed also recovered from long-term injuries in time to make the squad.

The squad, which doest not include any local-based players, featured Portsmouth striker Nwankwo Kanu, who is set to make his sixth CAN appearance.

Two-time winners Nigeria will open their campaign against defending champions Egypt on January 12.

Group C also includes minnows Benin and Mozambique.

Nigeria's squad:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel) Bamidele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda, Israel) Austin Ejide (unattached)

Defenders: Joseph Yobo (Everton, England), Danny Shittu (Bolton, England) , Obinna Nwaneri and Yusuf Mohammed (both FC Sion, Switzerland) Taye Taiwo (Marseille, France) Elderson Echiejile (Rennes, France), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Onyekachi Apam (Nice, France).

Midfielders: Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth, England), John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham, England) Sani Kaita (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia) Yusuf Atanda Ayila (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Oluwaseyi George Olofinjana (Hull City, England), Kalu Uche (Almeria, Spain).

Strikers: Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton, England), Osaze Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia), Michael Eneramo (Esperance, Tunisia), Obinna Nsofor (Malaga, Spain), Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg, Germany).