Ben Alaiya, the Media Officer of the Super Eagles, on Tuesday denied speculations that Super Eagles midfielder, Mikel Obi, might be banned from the national team.
Apparently reacting to an exclusive story published by The Eagle Online, Alaiya told the News Agency of Nigeria on the telephone: “There is no truth in such a speculation.”
He added: “Nothing of such is happening and people should confirm things before publishing.
“I am surprised and amazed at such a speculation.
“It baffles me how people just come up with such thoughts.
“Mikel is a good and fantastic player and there is no cause for him to be banned from the national team.
“His services are still needed in the team.
“A ban is far from it now.”
A report, by which The Eagle Online stands, has it that Keshi was considering excluding Mikel from the Super Eagles over a comment he made after the match against Spain in Brazil during the FIFA Confederations Cup.
Mikel, being one of the players considered crucial to the Super Eagles, had a meeting with the coaching crew alongside some other respected players where it was agreed that Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama should be dropped for Austin Ejide for the crucial match against Spain.
However, curiously, Keshi featured Enyeama against Spain and he conceded three goals.
This was said to have angered Mikel who lambasted Keshi in Hausa language after the match.
It was not the first or only face-off between Mikel and Keshi in Brazil, The Eagle Online was reliably informed.
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