Eagles coach Stephen Keshi is looking at several other players to replace Italy-based Obiora Nwankwo who struggled in Liberia this month.
Top team officials informed MTNFootball.com that Nwankwo was slow and sluggish against the Lone Star of Liberia in Monrovia and as such they are on the look-out for a more capable replacement for the player, who has failed to make the grade at Inter Milan.
Chelsea star Mikel Obi is already a sure bet to be recalled for the return leg match against Liberia on October 13 in Calabar, but should he again opt out, officials are also weighing other options.
Joel Obi from Inter Milan, Kano Pillars star Gabriel Reuben and Nigeria U20 star Kenneth Omeruo are among the names that have been suggested to replace Nwankwo.
However, there remains doubt over the match fitness of both Joel Obi, who has just returned from a long-term injury, and Rueben, who was ruled out of the Liberia game on account of a groin injury.
Omeruo, on the other hand, has been in fantastic form for his Dutch club ADO Den Haag playing at right back but can also play at central defence or as a defensive midfielder.
The 18-year-old shone at right back on Sunday night at home against champions Ajax Amsterdam in a game that finished 1-1.
He has confirmed his availability for the Flying Eagles return leg qualifier against South Africa on October 7.
It remains a big mystery why this Chelsea loanee has yet to be capped at full international level by Nigeria.