War over Mikel Obi

Top officials and Eagles coach Stephen Keshi are at daggers drawn over Chelsea ace Mikel Obi after the team’s midfield collapsed in Liberia.

Keshi insisted after his team were forced to a 2-2 draw that his midfield was intact and he would only recall Mikel if he is ready to commit to the country’s cause.

However, several top officials who accompanied the team to Monrovia have asked that whatever personal differences that may exist between the coach and the Chelsea midfielder be thrashed so that he returns for the return leg match in Calabar next month.

“My two midfielders, Nosa Igiebor and Obiora Nwankwo, had a good game. The only problem was that we played a 4-2-4 formation and we expected that the wingers, Ejike Uzoenyi and Victor Moses, would fall back into midfield when we are defending and they often did not,” Keshi explained.

The Eagles coach showed his irritation that the issue of Mikel has again been brought to the front burner.

“I have said before that Mikel is still very much part of my team, but he has to show his commitment to the team for me to recall him,” defended Keshi.

Several officials who accompanied the team to Liberia were very clear on the need to recall Mikel beginning with the return leg in October in Calabar.  

House of Representative committee on sports member Abdul Wudil demanded: “The midfield was porous and we therefore have to get Mikel back. So, whatever differences the coach may have with him and Osaze (Odemwingie) must be addressed before the next game.”

“As a matter of urgency, Mikel and Osaze must be recalled because even though they are good, the players from the Nigeria league have struggled when it matters most,” added Senator Abdulaziz Usman.

“Mikel and Osaze are matured players who can still hold their own against anybody.”