Mikel Obi’s absence in the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against South Africa won’t affect the Super Eagles according to ex-skipper and coach, Christian Chukwu.
For the fourth succesive match, the ex-Chelsea midfielder won’t be available for his country.
Mikel hasn’t featured for Gernot Rohr’s team since last summer’s World Cup in Russia.
Ahead of the crucial showdown in Johannesburg, Chukwu reckons the team’s skipper who is reportedly still unfit won’t be missed.
“We should remember that Mikel was not in the matches against Libya and yet Nigeria came out victorious,” the former Enugu Rangers star told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
“So, his absence in the South Africa match may not have any negative impact on the team.
Chukwu, who captained the Green Eagles to win the 1980 AFCON in Lagos, also told NAN that only the coach could specifically say why Mikel was not listed in the squad.
He said coach Rohr was firmly in charge of the Super Eagles and should be allowed to work with the list of players he wants.
