Two of Chipolopolo's more seasoned campaigners, Kalaba and Sinkala, were also left in the cold for the back-to-back victories over Algeria last month as Zambia revived their World Cup campaign in stunning fashion.

Nigeria top the pool with 10 points after the first four rounds, with Zambia three behind in second-place.

Cameroon and Algeria, with three and one point respectively, are effectively out of the picture and the onus now falls on Chipolopolo to halt the Super Eagles' march to Russia.

Zambia face a mammoth task against the West African giants, for whom a mere point would all but secure top spot with a match to spare.

Although hopes that Nyirenda would add some depth and experience to his squad by recalling Kalaba, Sinkala, and possibly Evans Kangwa, have been dashed, Zambia still possess enough fire-power, on paper at least.

Spartak Moskow forward Fashion Sakala returns to the fold after his one-match suspension for a red card offence in the 3-1 home win over Algeria, and he will look to renew his partnership with 18-year-old Austria-based Patson Daka and Brian Mwila upfront.

The forward line could turn out to be Nyirenda's biggest weapon, with newly-signed Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga also in the mix.

Twenty-year-old Sakala was the protagonist in Zambia's sensational run to the quarterfinals of the Under-20 World Cup, and he has since scored six goals in 13 appearances for Spartak Moskow's development side in the Russian second tier.

On the other hand Daka, who struck in the second-half as Zambia upset Algeria 1-0 in their backyard in the previous round, has just been promoted to the Salzburg first team in Austria.

The two are not the only members of the Under-20 team to have made the step up to the senior side, with European-based midfielders Emmanuel Banda (Belgium), Enock Mwepu (Austria) and Edward Chilufya (Sweden) also in the travelling squad.

There is a heavy local presence too, with 12 of the 23 players called up being drawn from the home league.

Nyirenda has told the local media that last month's victories over Algeria would not cloud his team's judgement of the magnitude of the task ahead.

"Look at the way we played Algeria at home and away ,it tells a lot of stories. The boys now know and believe it can be done," Nyirenda told the Lusaka Times.

"Nigeria is a different team and we are not going to be big headed because we beat Algeria but we are just focused only on Nigeria."

Goalkeepers: Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco), Allan Chibwe (Power Dynamos)

Defenders: Simon Silwimba, Fackson Kapumbu (both Zesco United), Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes), Stoppilla Sunzu (Arsenal Tula, Russia), Ziyo Tembo (Zanaco), Isaac Shamujompa (Power Dynamos)

Midfielders: Chisamba Lungu (Alanyaspor, Turkey), Edward Chilufya (Djurgårdens, Sweden), Donashano Malama (Nkana), Kondwani Mtonga, Misheck Chaila (both Zesco United), Augustine Mulenga (Zanaco), Enock Mwepu (FC Liefering, Austria), Emmanuel Banda (KV Oostende, Belgium), Roderick Kabwe (Ajax Cape Town ,South Africa), Ernest Mbewe (Zanaco)

Forwards: Justin Shonga (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Fashion Sakala (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Brian Mwila (Platinum Stars, South Africa), Patson Daka (Red Bull Salzburg, Austria)