After Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh explained the reason behind his exclusion of Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi from his squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania next month, the player's camp has moved to explain.

The Super Eagles boss said he could not include Mikel in his squad because several attempts to establish contact with the 28-year-old star, who last played for Nigeria in a 2015 AFCON qualifier against South Africa last November, have been unsuccessful.

"I have not spoken to Mikel up till now. I have contacted him on several occasions with no reply. I sent him an SMS, no reply. I went to London, he plays in same club with Victor Moses, Victor came to the meeting, we spoke, he did not," the 40-year-old trainer told a media briefing in Abuja.

"Every player we have invited, we have spoken to. No player is special, every player is the same. We will not win games with just one player, but with 11 players."

However, Oliseh noted that he would keep the door open for Mikel until after he has interacted with him.

"I can't pass judgment on a person I have not spoken to," he said.

Many Nigeria fans believed the player was left out because he was not playing regularly at his club. Mikel has so far earned 64 caps for Nigeria.

But the player's agent, John Shittu has now responded, saying there had been a "miscommunication" and that the 28-year-old star would always be available to serve his country.

"Mikel will never turn his back on Nigeria," Shittu told BBC Sport.

"He loves playing for his country and this is just a miscommunication between coach and player."

Shittu also blamed the media for what he saw as an minor issue blown out of proportion.

"Mikel sincerely missed the calls and wasn't sure who called. Once he realised who it was he made efforts to reach Sunday Oliseh but could not speak to him," he said.

"It's unfortunate that a miscommunication is being blown out of proportion in the media. Efforts are being made to sort things out amicably because Mikel is dedicated to Nigeria."

"For the sake of the country, everyone should support the coach and the players selected instead of focusing on other things that could affect the preparation."

 

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