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Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has been branded a disgrace for his attitude towards the Nigerian national team.
Mikel, 19, missed Nigeria's African Nations Cup qualifier against Lesotho on Saturday due to visa problems, but the Nigerian Football Association (NFA) are furious with the player's lack of commitment to his country.
NFA board member Peter Singabele claims Mikel, who joined English champions Chelsea for 16 million pounds from Norwegian club Lyn Oslo in pre-season, was late informing them of his availability and has no respect for the team.
Singabele told the London Evening Standard: "I have always believed that every young player that wants to make it big in football has to take national assignments seriosuly.
"He has decided to ignore this, thinking Chelsea would be his last bus stop. The more he continues to shun national calls, the more he loses relevance and respect."
Singabele believes Mikel should follow the example set by the likes of Portsmouth's Nwankwo Kanu and Everton Joseph Yobo, who are both committed to Nigeria despite hectic club schedules.
Singabele added: "Players like Kanu and Yobo, who have seen it all in the English Premiership, were in South Africa with the team.
"That was what I wanted to see Mikel do, but he has chosen the other way which leads to disgrace."
Mikel, 19, missed Nigeria's African Nations Cup qualifier against Lesotho on Saturday due to visa problems, but the Nigerian Football Association (NFA) are furious with the player's lack of commitment to his country.
NFA board member Peter Singabele claims Mikel, who joined English champions Chelsea for 16 million pounds from Norwegian club Lyn Oslo in pre-season, was late informing them of his availability and has no respect for the team.
Singabele told the London Evening Standard: "I have always believed that every young player that wants to make it big in football has to take national assignments seriosuly.
"He has decided to ignore this, thinking Chelsea would be his last bus stop. The more he continues to shun national calls, the more he loses relevance and respect."
Singabele believes Mikel should follow the example set by the likes of Portsmouth's Nwankwo Kanu and Everton Joseph Yobo, who are both committed to Nigeria despite hectic club schedules.
Singabele added: "Players like Kanu and Yobo, who have seen it all in the English Premiership, were in South Africa with the team.
"That was what I wanted to see Mikel do, but he has chosen the other way which leads to disgrace."
- T.K.
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