The reigning champions' football federation (NFF) landed in hot water with FIFA when the government intervened following the country's poor performance at the World Cup in Brazil earlier this year.
Football's global governing body subsequently imposed sanctions on the NFF, whose president Aminiu Maigari was arrested upon his return from Brazil, but that ban was lifted when Nigeria's government relented on their position.
FIFA's new deadline falls midway between Nigeria's opening two qualifiers, with a trip to South Africa next up after Saturday's home match against Congo, only in the competition following Rwanda's disqualification for fielding an ineligible player.
The issue represents an unwelcome distraction for coach Stephen Keshi, who has faced further difficulties ahead of the Congo fixture.
"He was supposed to be part of the team that is presently in camp but he said we must beg him first to play for Nigeria because he was left out of some competitions," said Keshi. "But I can't beg anyone to play for Nigeria, impossible.
"That's why he is not here."
Uche has moved to deny Keshi's claims, writing on Twitter: "It's an honour to play for Nigeria. I don't expect to be begged or given special treatment. I'm available when/if considered for selection."
As if this fixture did not come with enough off-field drama, the NFF reported Congo to CAF this week over the withholding of travel plans, which the Nigerian body claimed would cause problems with the issuing of visas.
Nigeria will be without goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who has withdrawn citing family reasons, but fans of both teams will be relieved when Saturday finally comes and off-field politics can give way to 90 minutes of football, as the hosts take their first step towards defending their Cup of Nations crown.
