Mikel turned down invitation for Seychelles, Egypt games - Yobo faults claim

Nigeria International John Obi Mikel - Getty

Former Nigeria international Joseph Yobo has faulted the claim from some factions that John Mikel Obi turned down the invitation for the 2019 Africa Cup Of Nations qualifier against Seychelles as well
as the international friendly against the Pharaohs of Egypt.

According to the former Super Eagles captain, in his reaction to the claim in a Live Sport Show on Monday, said: “Mikel is indebted to the national team. He owes it to be patriotic if the claim happens to be true.”

Yobo who was in the crew of the sport analysts added that, “If Mikel turned down the invitation because the matches will be played in Asaba, (Stephen Keshi Stadium) and because of the state of the pitch, if I were in his shoes, I will have to come down and make the Eagles German manager understand reasons why the players should not be exposed to a bad pitch.”

Mikel last featured for the National Team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and since then, he has been tightly scheduled with club activities which has seen him return to England to join Championship side Middlesbrough FC from Chinese club Tianjin Teda early this year.

On Monday, the Super Eagles camp opened in Asaba with both foreign and home-based players invited by Coach Gernot Rohr as they prepare for the Seychelles and Egypt games.

Nigeria and Egypt have locked horns severally with Nigeria clinching seven victories, five for Egypt and five draws.