Mikel, Osaze Turn Down Invitation From Keshi

The Super Eagle Coach, Stephen Keshi on Wednesday said that the duo of Mikel John Obi and Osaze Odewingie have refused to make themselves available for the national team.

Keshi, who disclosed this while, speaking with journalists during a press briefing at the Bolton White Hotel in Abuja, said that the Osaze refused to pick his calls as he tried to inform him of the direction of the team and the role he would be required to play.
“People say I have problems with my players but that is not true. Mikel and I always talk. Osaze is the one I have not spoken to in a while, three weeks now or so”.
“Osaze, I called, he didn’t pick …called again, he didn’t pick. I sent a text and he replied the text promising that he will call me the next day. But he didn’t call. So, I guess he’s not in the mood to play for Nigeria and I’m not ready to push.”
“Mikel and I spoke and I told him, listen I want you to come but you will have to give me hundred percent.”
But he said after consulting his doctors in Chelsea, Mikel declined his invitation with the excuse that he wouldn’t play on an artificial turf.

“Three days later, he said ‘coach I’m not sure I can make it because of the turf.”
Keshi however, said he already has a good team in place that can produce result for the country.
He expressed confidence in the home-based players while also noting that the invited foreign-based stars improve the team.