VICTOR ANICHEBE is set for an international recall to the Nigeria team, with Sunderland boss David Moyes admitting his emergence has helped transform the Black Cats’ season.

Anichebe’s last international appearance came in 2012, but his form in Sunderland’s last four matches has not gone unnoticed and he is set to be recalled for Nigeria’s forthcoming planned friendlies with Ivory Coast and Senegal.

Those games will help form part of the build-up to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, although Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the tournament in Gabon means Sunderland will not be deprived of Anichebe’s services for a lengthy spell.

The 28-year-old was cast into the international wilderness as he failed to make an impact at West Brom, but Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr has been impressed by his performances since moving to the Stadium of Light and regards him as a better option that Odion Ighalo, who has been struggling for form and fitness at Watford.

“His inclusion is well merited,” said Rohr. “He is doing very well in a top league for a top team, it’s only natural we call him up. I’m happy for him, he will add a lot to how we play.”

Nigeria are looking to rebuild ahead of the next World Cup, and have made a strong start to the current round of African qualifiers. Their hopes of making the 2018 finals in Russia are likely to hinge on a double-header with Cameroon that is due to take place next August and September.

Anichebe will hope to be involved in those games, having made a hugely positive impression since moving to Sunderland as a free agent in September.

He produced another eye-catching display in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Leicester City, repeatedly over-powering Foxes full-back Danny Simpson and linking play intelligently with his fellow forward Jermain Defoe.

“If he keeps that body moving, then he’s a hard man to stop,” said Moyes. “He had one great run late in the second half, didn’t he?

“He needs to be kept reminded that he can do it. He’s given us a platform to build from. Sometimes we alter the roles on the left, right and middle, and that’s maybe something we need to do to suit the opposition we are playing, as required.

“He’s helping Jermain too. If you remember, there was a period when Jermain wasn’t scoring all the time, but Victor’s in and suddenly it’s looking as if they’ve got goals in them.”

  • Meanwhile, Sunderland have introduced new local rate telephone numbers, significantly reducing call costs for supporters wanting to contact the club.

The new numbers are: Ticket office (0371 911 1973), General Enquiries and Switchboard (0371 911 1200) and Matchday hospitality and events (0371 911 1555).