Mikel Misses Bafana Clash -Stomach Bug Floors Chelsea Star -Moses, Oduamadi Cleared To Play Chelsea of England midfielder, John Mikel Obi has finally proven right an exclusive story by SportsDay early last month, when doubts were raised about his availability for tonight’s international friendly against South Africa, as the former Lyn Oslo of Norway star has been ruled out of the match in Durban. SportsDay had exclusively reported back then that the prolonged transfer saga Mikel was going though and the fact that the Nelson Mandela Challenge comes barely three days to the start of the new English Premier League season were factors that were conspiring to distract his focus from lining out against Bafana Bfana. Those worries have now come to light and, although the official word from the Eagles’ camp about Mikel’s absence is that he ‘is under the weather,’ independent sources say he has stylishly dogged participating in tonight’s encounter. Eagles’ media officer, Ben Alaiya confirmed that Mikel will not play tonight’s game, but refrained from putting his absence down to reluctance to don the nation’s coolurs, while confirming that other players who delayed their arrivals at the camp in Durban will be part of the match (kick-off 7:15pm Nigeria time). "We are not sure if Mikel would make it because we have just been informed he is a little under the weather. But Victor Moses, Fegor Ogude and Nnamdi Oduamadi would be available for selection. The three players will be part of the final training this evening (Tuesday) at match time,” Alaiya stated. On his part, Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi said Mikel will not be available against Bafana Bafana due to a stomach upset he picked up while on tour with his EPL side. He disclosed further that Chelsea doctors wrote to Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) late on Monday, asking that Mikel should be excused for health reasons. Keshi obliged and said yesterday morning in Durban that he will not want to push Mikel too much now, because he still needs the star to be in peak form for the September 7 World Cup qualifier against Malawi in Calabar.
Posted on: Wed, 14 Aug 2013 15:36:30 +0000
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