Furore over Mikel Eagles’ recall

Mikel Obi with Gernot Rohr

The decision to recall Mikel Obi to the Super Eagles’ pre-Afcon 2019 camp is not sitting well with some top shots of the Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF), Vintage Sports have learnt.

Four days ago, Mikel and Super Eagles’ head coach, Gernot Rohr, met in London where Mikel sealed his return to the national team fold after almost a year-long self-imposed exile and was subsequently named in the 25 man list (with 6 on standby) released on Tuesday night.

However, stalwarts in the NFF are insisting that it was not entirely up to Rohr to sanction the involvement of Mikel in the upcoming Nations Cup. Taking Mikel back just like that is disruptive, according to those in opposition as the player gave no genuine reason for missing the qualification games for the Nations Cup.

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It was gathered that members of the NFF’s Technical and Reform Committees were not duly consulted before the former Chelsea midfielder was asked to join the get-together.

In the absence of Mikel, Saudi-based Ahmed Musa led the team during the qualifiers for Egypt 2019 Nations Cup.

25 Eagles for AFCON 2019 camp:

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Katsina United); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa).

Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Chidozie Awaziem (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Semi Ajayi (Rotherham United, England).

Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Middlesbrough FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke City FC, England); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel).

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Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Al Nassar FC, Saudi Arabia); Victor Osimhen (Royal Charleroi SC, Belgium); Moses Simon (Levante FC, Spain); Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray SK, Turkey); Odion Ighalo (Shanghai Shenhua, China); Alexander Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Samuel Kalu (Girondins Bordeaux, France); Paul Onuachu (FC Midtjyland, Denmark); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain).

Six On Standby: Theophilus Afelokhai (Enyimba FC); Bryan Idowu (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia); Ikouwem Utin (Enyimba FC); Mikel Agu (Vitoria Setubal, Portugal); Junior Ajayi (Al Ahly, Egypt); Valentine Ozornwafor (Enyimba FC).

Sporting Tribune