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Samson Siasia Mikel Gives Up on Obi

Nigeria coach Samson Siasia says there is no place for Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi in his Olympic squad. The 20-year-old has been severely criticised for failing to honour invitations during the 2008 Olympic football qualifiers. His failure to show up for the crucial qualifier against South Africa last month has infuriated Siasia. And now the former Super Eagle has decided to leave the youngster out of his Beijing team. "There has been so much talk surrounding Mikel and I think it is just an unwanted distraction at this point," Siasia told reporters. "I have announced a provisional squad for the Olympics and he is not among those I considered.

We have to move on to another level. "He was not there during the qualifiers and the team made it without him, so I still have strong faith in the players I have available. "As a coach I have taken a decision and I will stand by it." Siasia who has also named six Super Eagles players in his provisional squad admitted the team need all their quality players, but only those who are committed.

"When you make plans you consider people who are committed to the national cause, hence I have looked to the senior squad for the three over-aged players as well," he said. There has been so much talk surrounding Mikel and I think it is just an unwanted distraction at this point "Obviously everyone can speculate what they want but it is more important to speak about players who are here and ready. And not one that is not in our plans. Adored by fans in the West African country, Mikel has been regarded negatively by NFA officials and national team selectors in the past because of what seems a lackadaisical attitude towards the national team.

But the under-fire player insists he is committed to the national team: "It's sad several things have been written about me that are not true," Mikel said. "There was a travelling problem [when he was invited for the South Africa game] and I told the coach about it, he said I should not bother coming if I was arriving a day before the game. "I am committed and Nigeria made me what I am today, it saddens my heart when other Chelsea players leave to play for their national teams and I am here all by myself. "One thing that is however true is that Siasia and the present players made me what I am today, they are fantastic people, but there was a genuine reason that affected my inability to make the trip.

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