He was one of the surprise names on the Super Eagles list at the last FIFA World Cup in Brazil, but injury kept him off the pitchwhen his services were needed the most.
Yet the few matches he played for the team earned him praises from his admirers and football lovers generally.
Now, another opportunity has come the way of Babatunde Michael, as he has been included in the 24-man list of players for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers must-win cracker against Sudan this month.
Both teams will clash in Khartoum on Saturday, October 11, before trading tackles at the National Stadium, Abuja, on Wednesday, October 15.
Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, has not hidden his interest and love for the player who just came back from injury.
Keshi said: “He is one of the stars that will help reshape the fortune of the Super Eagles. He is strong, intelligent and good on the ball.
“I have a lot of respect for him and I believe in him to go places with the team alongside others who are also doing well.”
The Sudanese are at the bottom of the table with no points after defeats suffered in the hands of DR Congo and South Africa. Nigeria is third with a point, thanks to the barren draw against South Africa in Johannesburg and a humiliating 2-3 loss to Congo in Calabar. The African champions need to win the two legs against Sudan to keep their hopes of qualifying alive.
Apart from Michael, Keshi also named goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, and a handful of new faces, including junior international, Raheem Lawal; China-based striker, Aaron Samuel; and relatively unknown Ugonna Anyora, a defensive midfielder for Norwegian club, FK Haugesund.
Also included are Reading of England’s Hope Akpan and Austria-based forward, Sunday Emmanuel.
Full list of invited players
Goalkeepers:
Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France)
Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)
Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United)
Defenders:
Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France)
Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel)
Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland)
Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey)
Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria)
Kenneth Omeruo (Middleborough, England)
Midfielders:
John Obi Mikel (Chelsea FC, England)
Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy)
Nosa Igiebor (Maccabi FC, Israel)
Omatsone Aluko (Hull City, England)
Hope Akpan (Reading FC, England)
Raheem Lawal (Eskisehirspor FC, Turkey)
Ugonna Anyora(Haugesund FC, Norway)
Forwards:
Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia)
Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey)
Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves, Nigeria)
Osaguona Ighodaro (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)
Victor Moses (Stoke City, England)
Aaron Samuel (Guangzhou R & F, China)
Babatunde Michael (Volyn Lutsk, Ukraine).
