Mikel Obi Refuses To Train With Eagles

Chelsea of London midfielder, John Mikel Obi refused to train with the Super Eagles early today as the team prepare for the international friendly tie against Botswana in Benin City, Edo State on Saturday.

P.M.Sports can report that while the rest of the players, about 27 of them, were training on the Astro Turf pitch, Package B of the National Stadium, Abuja with the technical crew led by new coach, Stephen Keshi, Mikel was left out as he complained of backache.

It was however gathered that the problem might not be the backache he complained of but he was actually worried that the artificial pitch may affect his feet.

When contacted Chairman of the technical committee of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Chris Green warned that the new dispensation in the Eagles won’t allow any player to make excuse to dodge training, adding that no player is bigger than the country.

“We are ready to wield the big stick as we won’t tolerate indiscipline in the Eagles,” he said.

Coach Keshi, however, told P.M.Sports that he understood that some of the players had health issue that he believes they would soon get over with.

Obinna Nsofor was also not train with the team as he did complained of tiredness due to jet lag.

Victor Moses may not make the team for the Botswana match as his arrival to the camp may be delayed due to travelling hitches.

—Francis Achi/Abuja