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Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi is still available for Nigeria duty despite not being involved since November, according to the player's representative John Shittu.

New Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh said he omitted Mikel from his first squad because the player was uncontactable.

However, Shittu told BBC Sport: "Mikel will never turn his back on Nigeria.


"He loves playing for his country and this is just a miscommunication between coach and player."

On Thursday, Oliseh explained to local media in Abuja why Mikel was not part of his plans for next month's 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Tanzania .

"I was in England early this month and I put a call through to Mikel. I called him four times, the phone kept ringing. I sent him a text message, I got no response," Oliseh revealed.

Nigeria's second most decorated player
Only Nwankwo Kanu has more medals than Mikel, who has won the Africa Cup of Nations, the Uefa Champions League, Uefa Europa League, two Premier League titles, four English FA Cups, two League Cups and one Community Shield
"I called his Chelsea team-mate and compatriot [Victor] Moses and we met after the Community Shield.

"I didn't hear from Mikel to acknowledge my calls or text until I travelled back home [on 6 August].

"But after our training [on 19 August] I saw a missed call [from Mikel] on my phone so at the moment I really don't know what the situation is now."

Shittu insists Mikel has not been deliberately evasive.

"Mikel sincerely missed the calls and wasn't sure who called. Once he realised who it was he made efforts to reach Sunday Oliseh but could not speak to him." he said.

"It's unfortunate that a miscommunication is being blown out of proportion in the media.

"Efforts are being made to sort things out amicably because Mikel is dedicated to Nigeria.

"For the sake of the country, everyone should support the coach and the players selected instead of focussing on other things that could affect the preparation."

Oliseh's predecessors Berti Vogts, Samson Siasia and Stephen Keshi also experienced difficulties with Mikel, who has been criticised for appearing to show indifference and a lack of respect.

Mikel, who made his debut for Nigeria against Libya in August 2005, has scored four goals for his country in 64 appearances.

http://talentarenaafrica.com/mikel-obi-midfielder-available-for-nigeria-says-agent/

OK, will give the agent call to know whether this is true since the op no gree put "sauce" for him post.

i personally do not c any tin spectacular abt dis player, after all he is a bench warmer @ chelsea

talentarena:
Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi is still available for Nigeria duty despite not being involved since November, according to the player's representative John Shittu.

New Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh said he omitted Mikel from his first squad because the player was uncontactable.

However, Shittu told BBC Sport: "Mikel will never turn his back on Nigeria.


"He loves playing for his country and this is just a miscommunication between coach and player."

On Thursday, Oliseh explained to local media in Abuja why Mikel was not part of his plans for next month's 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Tanzania .

"I was in England early this month and I put a call through to Mikel. I called him four times, the phone kept ringing. I sent him a text message, I got no response," Oliseh revealed.

Nigeria's second most decorated player
Only Nwankwo Kanu has more medals than Mikel, who has won the Africa Cup of Nations, the Uefa Champions League, Uefa Europa League, two Premier League titles, four English FA Cups, two League Cups and one Community Shield
"I called his Chelsea team-mate and compatriot [Victor] Moses and we met after the Community Shield.

"I didn't hear from Mikel to acknowledge my calls or text until I travelled back home [on 6 August].

"But after our training [on 19 August] I saw a missed call [from Mikel] on my phone so at the moment I really don't know what the situation is now."

Shittu insists Mikel has not been deliberately evasive.

"Mikel sincerely missed the calls and wasn't sure who called. Once he realised who it was he made efforts to reach Sunday Oliseh but could not speak to him." he said.

"It's unfortunate that a miscommunication is being blown out of proportion in the media.

"Efforts are being made to sort things out amicably because Mikel is dedicated to Nigeria.

"For the sake of the country, everyone should support the coach and the players selected instead of focussing on other things that could affect the preparation."

Oliseh's predecessors Berti Vogts, Samson Siasia and Stephen Keshi also experienced difficulties with Mikel, who has been criticised for appearing to show indifference and a lack of respect.

Mikel, who made his debut for Nigeria against Libya in August 2005, has scored four goals for his country in 64 appearances.

http://talentarenaafrica.com/mikel-obi-midfielder-available-for-nigeria-says-agent/

unfortunately the ship sailed..


Nigeria is not available for mikel..

gentlesoulx:
i personally do not c any tin spectacular abt dis player, after all he is a bench warmer @ chelsea

That's true bro. But in Nigeria, emotion always takes the place of logic.


Can a Brazilian, German, Italian, Spanish or French player sits on bench almost all season and be invited to the national team?


The fans will eat that coach raw. But in Nigeria, people would be saying it's marginalization, nepotism.


Mikel's football career is dead. In 2005, FIFA rated Mikel as 2nd best only behind Lionel Messi. Today, Mikel is not even 50th behind Messi. Ihenacho is more ambitious and skillful. He should take the place of Mikel.


Waiting for enemies of truth to attack me.

Obi the bench warmer

The most unworthy player No.10 globally.

nationwide1:
That's true bro. But in Nigeria, emotion always takes the place of logic.


Can a Brazilian, German, Italian, Spanish or French player sits on bench almost all season and be invited to the national team?


The fans will eat that coach raw. But in Nigeria, people would be saying it's marginalization, nepotism.


Mikel's football career is dead. In 2005, FIFA rated Mikel as 2nd best only behind Lionel Messi. Today, Mikel is not even 50th behind Messi. Ihenacho is more ambitious and skillful. He should take the place of Mikel.


Waiting for enemies of truth to attack me.

u r spot-on ,u i totally share ur view

nationwide1:
That's true bro. But in Nigeria, emotion always takes the place of logic.


Can a Brazilian, German, Italian, Spanish or French player sits on bench almost all season and be invited to the national team?


The fans will eat that coach raw. But in Nigeria, people would be saying it's marginalization, nepotism.


Mikel's football career is dead. In 2005, FIFA rated Mikel as 2nd best only behind Lionel Messi. Today, Mikel is not even 50th behind Messi. Ihenacho is more ambitious and skillful. He should take the place of Mikel.


Waiting for enemies of truth to attack me.

jealousy is what is worrying you nicompooop

What for?

Kzinne:
jealousy is what is worrying you nicompooop

Your cancerous mother is a nincompoop

Kzinne:
jealousy is what is worrying you nicompooop

I was expecting the attack. You're one of them.
Jealousy is the disease of people with low self-esteem like you. I'm not sick.


Last time I checked, Yaba left gate was still open.

Go there!