More worries for Stephen Keshi,as it has been confirmed that the duo of John Obi Mikel and Fegor Ogude would miss Nigeria’s quarter-finals clash against Ivory Coast on Sunday.

Both Mikel and Ogude, bagged two yellow cards each in the group stages of the 2013 African Nations Cup,which automatically translates to a one match ban.

Mikel on his part did not know that he would miss the clash with Ivory Coast,even boasting of the Super Eagles chances after the 2-0 defeat of Ethiopia.

“Playing against Ivory Coast is going to be both tough and exciting and some of our opponents are my friends, especially Didier Drogba,” Mikel was quoted to have said after the game on Tuesday.

But upon realizing his fate come Sunday,Mikel told KickOffNigeria.com how sad he is,over his unavailability.

“I found out last night and I am so so upset about it,” Mikel said.

“I was really looking forward to helping the team get past this game” the 25-year old added.

Despite his absence,Mikel believes that the players who would replace him, will do the required job to get Nigeria to semi-finals.

“I’m very disappointed to miss the game. But I am confident that the lads can do the job without us.

“We have a good team here and the new players are working very hard. I have tried to take some responsibility and speak to them, motivate them and give them advice.

“I am sure they will do the country proud.”

Players like Sunday Mba,Nosa Igiebor,Obiora Nwankwo Reuben Gabriel are all expected to fight for a place in starting eleven in the absence of both midfielders.


http://allsports.com.ng/2013/01/31/confirmed-mikel-suspended-for-game-with-ivory-coast/ NB The latest news we heard this morning is that he could be available for that game. CAF is expected to clear the air later today.

Mikel wey no dey mark for naija match, mek him go abeg, we have midfielder's better than mikel in Nigeria, the bible says "all things work together for good to them dat believe" and i believe naija will win the game!! First to comment for the first time#dancing alingo#

Why nau?

Irrelevant! Even if they were to play, it wouldn't stop Ivory Coast from winning. Only thing now is that it may decide how wide the goal margin will be. If it was meant to be 2-0, it would now be 4-0

God dey

Actually it makes no difference.....

What a bombshell. without mikel this eagles cannot fly. we shall all see

Mikel- Motivation- Advice. It doesn't add up. What is he advising dem to do? Play like him? Smh.

Nigeria should just pack there bags and leave with her pride and dignity intact, i don't see this ending well for the super fowls... Ivory coast go use their necks as boxing match ...

Anyways #TeamElephants

I am yet to see mikel's impact in any of the matches

With mikel out Who's gonna supply the long balls now?

we are still goin 2 win d match nah....by d grace of GOD....i rep nigeria

No iota of truth in dis story..mikel wld play on sunday ,he has jst one yellow card wich has been cancelld goin into d knock-out stage...only ogude wld miss d match

Hmmph.....

make dem qualify be koko ! I no send even if na Keshi go play Mikel position.

even without them we can win

Second to comment.......when he dey there,wefin happen self,so hin absence na just freestyle....

hornipipe: With mikel out Who's gonna supply the long balls now?

KESHI

goodmike7: Why nau?

u no dey read??

Go eagles. The Lord is ur strength

50calibre: Irrelevant! Even if they were to play, it wouldn't stop Ivory Coast from winning. Only thing now is that it may decide how wide the goal margin will be. If it was meant to be 2-0, it would now be 4-0

honestly is that so

50calibre: Irrelevant! Even if they were to play, it wouldn't stop Ivory Coast from winning. Only thing now is that it may decide how wide the goal margin will be. If it was meant to be 2-0, it would now be 4-0

Enemy of progress. You shall be put to shame.

Ibanga p: Mikel- Motivation- Advice. It doesn't add up.

how do u mean?

That's sad,but I Blv the available players will make us proud.

Its a lie, Mikel cannot be suspended because he only incured one yellow card in the Ethiopia match. Following the rules, it is only when a player has two yellow cards that he automatically gets a suspension from the next match. This just a propagander to bring in confusion into the national team.

50calibre: Irrelevant! Even if they were to play, it wouldn't stop Ivory Coast from winning. Only thing now is that it may decide how wide the goal margin will be. If it was meant to be 2-0, it would now be 4-0

what is this one saying?

Good, maybe now we would be forced to play a good passing game instead of those pointless long balls that always end up in the keepers arms

I dey smell blessing in disguise for super eagles.

No mind mikel, he happy say e no go dey among the team wey go chop 6-0 from ivory coast

we dont need him..... He may even betray his country and give chancez to the ivorians.. Since he has a friend there