Duro Ikhazuagbe
21 August 2007
Lagos — At last, the Nigeria football Association, (NFA) appears to have freed John Obi Mikel from his suspension from the national teams.
THISDAYSports checks can reveal this morning that chiefs at the Glass House in Abuja have finally made up their minds to allow the Chelsea star back into the fold.
Glass House big wigs had used the youngster as an example of their new 'get tough' policy to discipline in the national team and as such bared him from making the trip to Skopje even though Super Eagles head coach Berti Vogts had included him in the team.
"We believe he has learnt his lesson and we've decided to allow him return to the national team. He will be part of the team to play Lesotho if he is invited," said the source.
Meanwhile, as Nigeria's Super Eagles line up in an international friendly with Macedonia in Skopje this evening, there are indications that team handler German Berti Vogts is unlikely to have full compliment of the former African champions.
Yesterday, Newcastle United forward, Obafemi Martins became the latest player to also dump the match arranged on FIFA' free day.
Ademola Olajire, chief media officer of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) confirmed to THISDAYSports yesterday that Martins, who is been eyed by Premiership champions Manchester United to fortify the Old Trafford team, telephoned the Glass House in Abuja to say that he will not be available for the game.
Apart from Everton's Joseph Yobo who was the first Eagle listed to miss the game due to the injury he sustained penultimate weekend, John Utaka who just switched from Rennes to Portsmouth also begged to be excused to help him consolidate his position in Harry Redknapp's team.
However, the good news is Kanu Nwankwo's confirmation that he will be in Macedonia for the game.
Meanwhile, after seeing his squad hit by a rash of withdrawals occasioned by injuries and administrative problems, Super Eagles coach Berti Vogts has called up a number of replacements as he seeks to bolster his squad for Macedonia. "Berti Vogts has called up Sani Kaita, Dele Adeleye, Richard Eromoigbe, Chukwuma Akabueze and Onyekachi Apam to replace the players who pulled out," Olajire told KICK OFF.
All four players were expected at the Alexandria Hotel camp of the Eagles yesterday to join the nine players already in camp. Also expected to arrive are Osaze Odemiwingie and Austin Ejide.
Currently in camp are Seyi Olofinjana, Taye Taiwo, Ayo Makinwa, Danny Shittu, Paul Obiefule, Onyekachi 'Tico' Okonkwo, Ike Uche, Obinna Nwaneri and Dele Aiyenugba.
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