Under-23 national team, Naija Eagles head coach, Samson Yebowei Siasia has declared that Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi will be in his squad for the Olympic Games, but says he is sad that Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi will not be available.
Sia1 said Tuesday he is happy to confirm that Mikel will feature at Rio 2016, despite initial fears that the Super Eagles captain would not be released by his club.
Siasia himself had also earlier raised fears over possible unavailability of Mikel as one of his over-aged players for the Games, but the coach is now happy that the Chelsea star will feature in Rio next month.
However, Siasia admits he was left disappointed after Iwobi and his father failed to keep the promises they made to him over the Arsenal forward’s participation at the Olympics
Just as is with fellow-England-based Watford striker, Odion Jude Ighalo and Kelechi Iheanacho of Manchester City, Iwobi has opted out of the tournament after their EPL clubs blocked them from going to Rio 2016.
The clubs stand is because the Olympics competition is not on the FIFA calendar, but Siasia insists Arsenal had initially agreed to release Iwobi to join the Nigerian camp late for the Summer Games.
Incidentally, 20-year-old Iwobi was first invited by Siasia before the lad changed his allegiance from England to debut for the Super Eagles, while Mikel played under the coach en route to winning silver at Holland 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Siasia stated: “Mikel has confirmed his availability. We have some other players who have promised to join us and they have shown commitment like Wilfred Ndidi, who has assured us that he will join us in America.
“Other players who will be available are goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi and Kenneth Omeruo. These are the players who are confirmed for now.
“Alex Iwobi is not coming. I tried to call his father, but he wasn’t picking my calls. He used to call me frequently when he wanted his son to play for the country, but now that we need his son he is not picking my calls.
“But there is no problem, Alex remains my boy, I love him like my own son, but I am just disappointed that he and his father couldn’t keep the promises they made to me.
credit: sportsdayonline