Beijing Olympics: More Knocks For Mikel Obi

Niyi Alebiosu, Lagos - 03.05.2008

AS the deadline draws nearer, opinion continue to differ on whether the national Under-23 coach, Samson Siasia, should include Chelsea FC player, John Mikel Obi, in his Beijing 2008 Olympic Games squad or not.

Many more football administrators are supporting the coach’s decision not to include him on the list.

Siasia had shut the door against Obi for failing to honour previous invitations to feature in the Olympics qualifying series and felt that he should not be in the team to China.

While some people believe that Obi should be in the team despite his attitude, some argue that such an undisciplined player should not be in the squad to Beijing.

To the chairman, Lagos State Divisional Football Association (LAFA), Dotun Coker, and former Stationary Stores FC coach, Yomi Peters, the young lad should not be in the team for anything.

According to them, the player has no respect for the country and as such should not be invited to be part of the team.

Both in separate chats with Tribunesports argued that Siasia should give other players the chance to exhibit the stuff in them.

“If Siasia did not give Mikel a chance in 2005, he would not have been known, so others too should be exposed because many talents abound in Nigeria and a small boy should not hold the whole country to ransom,” Coker said.

Peter said: “I cannot understand why people are campaigning for a player lacking in discipline. Any player without discipline should be taught some lesson. If we win fine, and if otherwise, it should not be because Obi was not there but to serve as a lesson to others.”

“He has shown to al that he is an undisciplined player. “Why do we have to beg him when the country can boast of thousands of players. The coach should concentrate on his training and camping exercise rather than get worried about one player who is not serious.”