Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has received a significant boost ahead of the announcement of his final 23-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has returned to action for the Serie A club after spending some time on the sidelines.

The 25-year-old shot-stopper underwent surgery for a torn ligament in his right hand back in December.

Despite not being fully fit, the former Watford goalkeeper was included in Eric Chelle's provisional 39-man squad for the qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Nigeria is set to face Rwanda on Friday, March 21, at the Amahoro Stadium before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium four days later.

Eric Chelle is expected to unveil his final squad this week, ahead of the team camp opening on Sunday, March 16.

WDN