Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi reportedly made an attempt to get Everton winger Alex Iwobi get dropped from the starting line-up during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, reports Completesports.com.
Mikel and Iwobi started Nigeria’s first group game against Burundi in the competition but the former complained about his teammate “cramping in his playing space and style on the pitch and wanted him dropped,” according to popular journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana’s Tweet on Twitter.
Head coach of the team, Gernot Rohr however rejected the idea and instead persisted with Iwobi and Mikel who later picked up an injury and reduced to a bit part role.
“After (Mikel’s) top-grade performance with (Middlesbrough) in the championship, it was thought that he would exhibit the same form during the (AFCON 2019),” Obayiuwana narrated in a thread on he wrote on Wednesday.
“But despite engaging a personal trainer after the season, Mikel’s physical conditioning dropped.
“This was quite evident in Asaba, during the one-week I spent with the (Super Eagles) before they left for Egypt.
“But he was always going to be a part of the squad because Gernot sees him as integral to it, even when he’s not 100 per cent fit.
“The drop in (Mikel’s) physical conditioning – as seen from the group (AFCON 2019) games he played – forced Rohr and the staff to make the decision that he wouldn’t have more than a bit-part role during the tournament.”
The Super Eagles finished third in Egypt 2019, while Mikel announced his retirement from international
football at the end of the competition.
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44 Comments
Well, this report is very unnecessary. The Mikel is no longer playing for Nigeria and Iwobi did well for himself while in Egypt. I feel no need to raise bad blood between the two players. We know Mikel must have said whatever he said with good intentions not with bad motives. The guy has done well for the country and no need to paint him black just because of that singular statement.
its quite unprofessional if the report is true.
I totally agree that this report is quite irresponsible. Although I’ve seen same in some other news sites, I didn’t expect completesports to join the crowd for sensitive issues like this. Even when it’s the fault of the coach to discuss such issues with a journalist in the first place, our pressman should show some sense of responsibility and be sensitive to issues that can affect the wellbeing of our team.
Also it’s quite unprofessional of Coach Rohr to discuss such an issue with a pressman, even if it was intended to be a private discussion, you can never trust a pressman with anything that can appear as “news“.
It is quite normal and in fact expected for senior players, especially the captain to sometimes make suggestions to or advice the coach on several matters including team selection. It happens everywhere, not just in Nigeria. It is left for the coach to accept the suggestion or reject it. The advice may have been offered with genuine interest of the team or also for personal interests, but the coach having evaluated the situation and taken what most of us consider to be the right decision, he should have let the matter rest. But bringing the contents of such discussions into public space in this manner can cause bad blood between the individuals involved, and even bring disharmony to the team even though Mikel is no longer with the team – both him and Iwobi have their admirers within the present team. Also this can erode the players trust in the coach and discourage the current captain or any other player from offering genuine advice on issues which they should ordinarily.
Hopefully, Iwobi will show maturity to overlook this unnecessary distraction and focus on his good work for the team.
Mikel thought he could still put up his best for his country
Mikel was simply a bad influence. People can go blinded about Mikel. Never me. Mikel always like to cover the light of a rising star just so only him can be noticed. That was d reason I never wanted him at d last AFCON. But bless Gernot Rohr for standing his ground as he showed he had learned from d mistake he may have made listening to same Mikel at 2018 world cup.
All matches SE played without Mikel right from 2019 AFcon qualifiers,through to the Finals proper in Egypt and now our friendly with Ukraine clearly has proven Mikel was actually contributing nothing to the team but instead slowing the pace of that team. Thank God he retired. All the facts are there. Iwobi played, Ighalo became highest goal scorer . Just shows why it was unfair to critisize Ighalo,for not scoring at world cup: slow midfield. Nothing personal toward Mikel but I will always attack anything negative not minding who that person is and don’t give a hoot whether anyone likes it or not.
Anuofia, sure you were deprives of sense right from ur mother’s womb. You and ur gang( hungry journalist) not forgetting @edoman cannot rubbish the achievements of a man who gave his all to his nation, professionally and financially.
This has exposed ur football knowledge bankruptcy. Ighalo missed a glorious chance that could hv sent Naija to the knockout stage against Argentina. He suddenly picked form during the afcon qualifiers and it turns out Iwobi is better than Mikel. The same Iwobi u pple criticize in d SE. SE fans are like ashawo. Do well and get praised. Do poorly and get roasted.
@Chidiomimi, u are very correct. The person bringing this now is a traitor and should be cautioned.
As for Glory, I just discovered from ur statements on this issue that u are very ignorant and sentimental in your perspective. U need help.
Very bad and unwholesome journalism,why drag up old and outdated news,to what and for whose benefit?
First of,this is a highly unsubstantiated,unverified and subjective news and Mikel having retired from the National Team,this piece is nothing but an attempt to malign the character of a great Super Eagle.
Glory, or what do you call that your useless self that do no deserve that beautiful name. Can’t you emulate the chip chiodimini and Patrick that speak senses; including Donbenie that his words are very sensitive and diplomatic. Unlike you that spoke senselessly. Mikel has been a wonderful guy for Nigeria; he has done very well for Nigeria as a nation. He does not not by any chance deserve your stupid talks.
Besides, as a skippo, he deserves to discuss some certain things with the coach. Left to coach to either take to it or not. Let me quickly blow you up here; he needs some explanation to counter that opinion even if is not going to take to it, alongside a solution to what Mikel actually spoke of. I want to believe you are not a player and you can never be
I understand your rant boy, sorry I didn’t mean to abandon you my child, your mum was just too cheap I had to beg to leave. You go take your whole new family and hide them under Mikel’s arse, I care less. I maintain my stance.
Lmao @Omo Eluku, pls unlook this mumu Glory guy. Not every mother is a public toilet like his mother. He probably don’t know the ogogoro tout that got his mother pregnant before he was delivered.
Hahahaha…. at least I m human. And better than an hybrid of dog/ human lucky to be adopted. Reason you can’t help but follow everywhere Mikel or any other go as long as they keep throwing food on the ground while they walk on. Sure, skippo n Skippy no longer strange words to you.Lolz
No….this is a platform for responsible people and the comments above shows u are not responsible. What has his mom got to do with this. Please let’s learn to be civil. If u reply me with insult, u will die a sudden death
Apologies @Ak.if u know me too well I don’t usually come on here to insult forumites talkless of bringing parents/ family into our football conversations. But some just think they only,know how to insult others. To be honest, these are things I enjoy but for the respect of the many decent people here and outside I have always maintained. Check d comments leading to my response then you understand. Anyway I m sorry for my words and take them back.
@glory. Thumbs up bro
I know we all have animalistic tendencies once in a while. No one is excempted. But for a better community, let’s keep it real
Cheers brov
Before we start crucifying anybody, we need to confirm the authenticity of this story. Complete sports should not engage in lazy and unprofessional journalism of copy and paste just to spice up news threads.
Proper reporting I LL always commend, exposing the nonsense n unprofessional attitude a very unfit n supposedly captain was perpetuating in camp. Reason Nigeria played the worst football ever at that 2018 world cup. And someone will wanna compare legendary Kanu/Okocha with Mikel. Seriously?LMAO. LOL. THANKS to the reporter for such deep dig. I m not one to worship human however high such may think of himself.
Mugu…be quite..Mikel is legendary.
Lool… We only have Mogul in d dictionary.Check it out n you see I m definitely one. This one no go school. Loool bye bye
@Glory, you’re just another moron who’s so unconscious about his stupidity. Customized fool
One of d hungry pretender IBO man who has no choice but follow anywhere he can have daily bread. I understand your problem, so no offence. Lool… NEXT. Truly loving this. Lol
Go learn how to spell “Igbo”. Bush man that had to drag tribe in this matter. I will say it again!you and that cut and join journalist needs an urgent sense transplant surgery coz you both clearly lacks sense.
Haba now… I mentioned IBO because you seem to be an adopted child. Most IBO people are independent hence don’t beg for bread. But tell me the truth, all these your tantrums na make Mikel for add you for the list. Is it? Lool
Ehen,if a captain advises his coach on team issues, what’s the problem with that?Even non captains, complain to their coaches in Europe and it’s no real problem?
The post didn’t say,there was bad-blood between Mikel and Iwobi,it says Mikel wanted the change for a reason,which is technical.
It’s Rohr’s prerogative to accept or reject the advice of his dear captain. Do we see that Rohr says he has never had a problem with Ekong? Yet elements within the NFF are crying foul that Ekong is rude.
If the coach is so free with his players,esp his captains,and allows his captains freely speak with him without taking offence,why are most of us doing as if this is a report to disparage Mikel? It even commends Mikel,because, it is the success of the team that was on Mikel’s mind,not the downfall of Iwobi.
Infact,when I see this on Mikel,I think back with some sadness: if only Mikel could talk like this and even more at Chelsea,he won’t have been converted to wat he is not by Mou.He should have resisted like Pogba did to him at ManU,even as Iwobi did to Emery at Arsenal and moved to Everton.
Mourinho killed the real Mikel,infact it is a testament to how good the real Mikel was,that even this version of Mikel attained world class status,so good,that Skipper John Terry will lovingly call him “the catalyst”.Imagine wat the real Mikel would have shown the world.
Anyway,on the main post,no big deal. Mikel did no wrong and it doesn’t disrespect Mikel.Many times,as a Nigerian,I throw away d average Nigerian mentality in order for me to see clearly.
Bastard boy! Still continue with blabbering n ranting of yours hmm? You must be one of the very bastard of the nation. If not, you won’t be taking a story that has no base a personal one; against a patriotic n good ambassador of our great nation- Nigeria. Telling you to back off from such, caused you to mention that your mum was actually raped by bandit before giving birth your bastard self. Boy, go to hell as you know nothing about football. I want to believe this stupid n bastard glory is a man utd fan, who criticized the guy when chose to play for Chelsea as against their expectation.
I think Ben12 is totally right. This Glory Bandit needs help. You are meant to be sharing opinions among monkeys, as you already claimed to be one. All what you said as Obi mikel is your opinion, which none of us in platform wouldn’t buy. Please, share this among monkeys like your ; when am sure you be stoned to death if not careful bcos then sensible than you to see Mikel as a legend; just like King Kanu and our great Austin Jay jay Okocha.
Why you so angry small child? Lol. Suck em dead your Mikel while taking refuge in his arse man. But u can be better than trying to score point just so you can get a cup rice n bag of salt for tomorrow. Lol. Even monkeys speak out but dead arse suckeers like you n fams, have mouth shut with poo. Don’t worry abandoned son, I LL try make it up for those period I abandon you, no need to lick Mikel’s arse.
Glory moro, Mikel ass can feed ur entire wretched generations to come. You and that hungry clout chaser cut and join journalist can go to hell with ur cheap hatred on Mikel
Always food food food. Wetin you go chop. Wetin? Try be a man fam. You gradually losing it, all because you not sure of tomorrow. Man you better than that. Yes Mikel is got loads of money compared to I n I but I remain independent and refuse to sell my right to speak for a piece of bread. Respect to what Mikel has achieved but regarding his bad influence on the SE all through his time, I MAINTAIN MY STAND. GOD BLESS THAT GREAT REPORTER. AT U-20 SANI KAITA & ISAAC PROMISE, WERE THE BRAIN BEHIND ALL HIS PERFORMANCE, AT RIO OLYMPICS, AZUBUIKE & ETEBO WERE THE REAL ORCHESTRATORS OF OUR MIDFIELD, AT AFcon 2013, ONAZI was the man. Mikel has his qualities no doubt but his bad attitude towards other talents always created bad atmosphere. Take it or leave it. You are definitely not the type to change my position. Someone here advice I try not allow myself into insulting on this forum as other decent brains come on here. I respect that.
After typing all these epistles, you must have thought you typed sense not knowing you just utter gibberishes. All these pple u mentioned are struggling to play in the A leagues in Europe. Iwobi some of u all are raving about, at his prime he’s moving from Arsenal to Eveton. Come back when u have a stronger reason for Mikel’s hatred. Etebo tjat picked up an injury earlier during the Olympic was also the brain behind Mikel’s performance. U need an urgent sense transplant
Mikel is a role model; an icon and a legendary footballer.
He carried himself with such dignity and honour. His performances in 2013 Afcon and the Confederations Cup will live longer in the memory than any shortcomings of his.
I am sure there is more to the story than the report above however, either way, Mikel is an icon to be respected.
Respect to all man utd fan out there. Please, guys in the house lets all join hands to sent glory bandit boko haram to go on an expatriate and never does he returns. To hell with your entire family!
Baba fight never start you don’t dey ask for what time e go finish? Me I b Chelsea yekpa..Lol
Anuofia, sure you were deprives of sense right from ur mother’s womb. You and ur gang( hungry journalist) not forgetting @edoman cannot rubbish the achievements of a man who gave his all to his nation, professionally and financially.
i don’t read rubbish news, this is just to sell and attract viewers to read, how can MIKEL say such, please let read something good, Mikel is a good man, Iwobi FOR SURE will smile over this kind of report and say Skippo, they have started.
My brother, even I question the motive behind this piece of journalism.
Mikel was a model captain who did great things for our national team.
Why this kind of story is beyond me.
Do you remember: electing to play for Nigeria at the 2016 Olympics (where his contributions guided us to a bronze) cost him his place at Chelsea.
Mikel gave a lot to the national team and deserves gratitude.
Ehen,if a captain advises his coach on team issues, what’s the problem with that?Even non captains, complain to their coaches in Europe and it’s no real problem?
The post didn’t say,there was bad-blood between Mikel and Iwobi,it says Mikel wanted the change for a reason,which is technical.
It’s Rohr’s prerogative to accept or reject the advice of his dear captain. Do we see that Rohr says he has never had a problem with Ekong? Yet elements within the NFF are crying foul that Ekong is rude.
If the coach is so free with his players,esp his captains,and allows his captains freely speak with him without taking offence,why are most of us doing as if this is a report to disparage Mikel? It even commends Mikel,because, it is the success of the team that was on Mikel’s mind,not the downfall of Iwobi.It’s important we get it straight.
Infact,when I see this on Mikel,I think back with some sadness: if only Mikel could talk like this and even more at Chelsea,he won’t have been converted to wat he is not by Mou.He should have resisted like Pogba did to him at ManU,even as Iwobi did to Emery at Arsenal and moved to Everton.
Mourinho killed the real Mikel,infact it is a testament to how good the real Mikel was,that even this version of Mikel attained world class status,so good,that Skipper John Terry will lovingly call him “the catalyst”.Imagine wat the real Mikel would have shown the world.
Anyway,on the main post,no big deal. Mikel did no wrong and it doesn’t disrespect Mikel.Many times,as a Nigerian,I throw away d average Nigerian mentality in order for me to see clearly.
Same journalist Osasu Obayiuwana reported on NFF officials having a problem with William Troost-Ekong. It seems he is carving out a name for himself by bringing trivial issues from within the camp and blowing them out of proportion.
Mikel as the captian and a midfielder has the right to say “boss play me in that position” or “I think I can do better than XYZ”. Which player wouldn’t?
That he is the captain meant that he had the coaches ear more than others. I wouldn’t expect a player to sit back and enjoy the bench.
With the other story he pushed today, he stated that although the manager, the team coaches and the players were happy with Troost-Ekong, the NFF bigwigs were not happy with his “arrogance and being disrespectful”. My response to that tweet was simply this
“My first thought when I spotted this post was “a clash of cultures” and this confirms it.
The Dutch are famed for “straight talking”, giving it straight regardless who they are talking to. The Nigerian “big man” is famous for “who are you talking to” “do you know who I am”? “I will show you”. Just because he doesn’t show them reverence their nose is being twisted the other way.
He is good for the team, he is good with the manager, he is good with the coaches, he just doesn’t brown nose like they expect.
As you can see, he is a sensationalist who creates issues where there are none
@BigD,I see no sensationalism there.We are only used to not hearing behind the scenes news in these parts.
In a lot of Europe,much more than this is reported and is considered healthy reporting.
A lot of the responders here added what was not in the post. They were defending Mikel,as if the reporter said anything that was offensive concerning Mikel. Creating issues where there was none.We must be balanced and level headed please.
If a reporter can tell us the truth as it is, so be it. It gives us who are far away from things an advantage in judging things correctly and contributing any necessary help to things.
…can we be adults here and stop all the insults? We have a good platform for making worthy suggestions and contributions… which so far we have seen effected in SE squad… Using this platform… Why are we turning it to an insult chat room now guys??? Please let’s all behave so the administrators of this site don’t bar all from further comments…
Chineye, I wonder o. Mikel that was second only to Messi in Under 21, Mikel who provided assists and drove forward at the Olympics, Mikel who provided assist to Emenike against Zambia in Afcon 2013, Mikel who provided assist and also scored in the 4.0 defeat of Cameroon in Asaba.
Is that the Mikel who other marginal players were the brains behind his achievements?
Players that can only ever dream of playing for a club like Chelsea for a lengthy period.
Like you said, I have never heard of such rubbish in all my days!
Mikel spent 10 trophy laden years in Chelsea but Iwobi (this guy’s Messiah) is downgrading from from Rolls Royce (Arsenal) to Toyota (Everton).
You get time sef.
Some people wey no sabi Jack shit about football will take advantage of social media to chat shit!
I laff in Swahili.
Mikel na legend o. Make we show respect o.