A top Nigeria Football Federation chieftain is against Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi returning to the team ahead of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt claiming that the 32-year-old’s presence could be ‘disruptive’, Reforms Committee member Osasu Obayiuwana has revealed, Completesports.com reports.
Mikel last featured for the three-time African champions 11 months ago and has missed the Super Eagles last seven games.
According to Obayiuwana – a member of the NFF Reforms Committee, after a meeting with the Super Eagles coaching staff last Saturday in London, the former Chelsea star stated that he was “strong, fit and ready to return” to the team for the AFCON.
“A top NFF official, in a frank “off-the-record” discussion with me wondered if it wouldn’t be disruptive for Mikel to return, after being absent from the team for a year,”Obayiuwana tweeted.
“He was critical of Mikel’s attitude, to his colleagues and officials, during his self-imposed absence.”
“But the decision to include Mikel – and whether he’ll regain the captain’s band – is purely down to the Super Eagles Head Coach, Gernot Rohr, who is expected to name his 26-man AFCON preliminary squad this week.”
Mikel made 18 appearances for Middlesbrough and scored one goal. If he makes the Super Eagles squad to AFCON 2019, the 32-year-old will be making his fourth appearance in the tournament since he made his debut at the in 2006 edition.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will set up a camp in Asaba, Delta State from June 2, play a friendly with the Warriors of Zimbabwe on June 8 and fly to Egypt the following day where they will face Senegal in Ismailia on 16th June.
Three-time champions Nigeria will be up against Burundi on 22nd June, confront Guinea on 26th June and tackle Madagascar on 30th June, all in Alexandria.
By Johnny Edward.
10 Comments
We need Mikel
The top official and whoever he discusses with are sick, we need Mikel!
Johney adward who is that officer,u better tell us his name or shut up,
SOMEONE THAT PLAYED FOR NIGERIA KNOWING FULLY WELL HIS DADDY WAS KIDNAPPED? GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!! LET HIM COME BACK ANYTIME HE WANTS HE DESERVES IT.
Why would Mikel’s return be disruptive? When someone returns from sick leave to the office does it disrupt anything? Footballers are not machines or slaves that must be worked till they break down. This man in the so-called Reforms Committee never plsyed football and should be dropped. Let’s hear more from Okocha, Ikpeba and Kanu, and not from unpatriotic elements seeking for notice
This is what I have bn saying about the NFF board members. They have no ideas of football. We can see clearly that our ex players have to work with the board members of the NFF.
How could somebody just be talking like this. Who does that? The coach knew the importance of his captain that was why coach Rohr left Nigeria for UK.
1+1 should be =2 here. God bless Nigeria!!!
This so call stupid reformist must be sick upstairs. And must be an agent who is fighting for a place for one of his players. These players understands themselves and knows the inspiration and motivation that Mikel brings to the team.
The man and this report are both evil and working together are trying to sow a seed of discord in the hearts of other players.
This report should be warned to stay away from the team.
The AFCON official who don’t want Mikel to participate is a “double agent” within. He should be investigated, if found wanting, he should be removed immediately.
Could he be a saboteur ready to sell his Country for his own end ?
Nigerians, nothing is so damaging to a corporate efforts than to have an enemy within.
Mikel today, is a National Treasure. Even his dad should be protected at National expense while Mikel is on National duty.
No Nigerian player deserves more.
Super Eagles need John Obi Mikel for Afcon…..
Pls less know the person dat how they sold the under 20 those went to the world cup and played norsens for us which kind reform is that ok the person want to bring is own players ba pls we don’t want person in that team ooooooooooooo