Mikel Obi: Rep backs Siasia

By Tosin Omojola - 25.04.2008

Deputy chairman House of Representatives committee on Sports, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye, believes Nigeria`s U-23 team, Dream Team 1V can excel without the inclusion of Chelsea of England midfielder, Mikel Obi.

Anwering question on whether the former Lyn Oslo of Norway player should be recalled by coach Samson Siasia to beef up the squad ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, the lawmaker told Tribunesports that there was no need inviting the player into the team based on his recent behaviour.

Although he agreed that the team’s midfield was a suspect during the Olympics qualifier against South Africa in Abuja last month, Elegbeleye said there were other reliable and disciplined midfielders who could effectively man the position.

" I don’t believe Mikel must be included in that team by all means, considering his manner in recent time. There are other players who are equally good and are well disciplined, i think Siasia should shed his light on such players instead of bringing in somebody like Mikel Obi," he stated.

Elegbeleye expressed disappointment with the player for his lack of commitment to national duties, saying that he couldn’t continue to hold the country to ransome when the country can boast of talented players.

He, however, counselled the former Flying Eagles midfielder on the need to exercise discipline, stressing that he stands to gain nothing rather than put his career in jeopardy if he refused to change.

Tribunesports recalls that coach Siasia has lately showed no interest in recalling Mikel into the Dream Team (IV) squad and did not even include him in the list of player’s invited for the invitational tourney slated for Malaysia, thereby casting doubts on the players participation in the Olympics.

Meanwhile, Elegbeleye has expressed confidence in the ability of Siasia to lead the Dream Team IV to a glorious outing in Beijing where the team will slug it out against Holland, Japan and the USA in the group B of the male football event of the Olympics.

"I am absolutely sure Siasia will not disappoint Nigerians in Beijing; he has what it takes to win the gold medal of the football event of the Olympics. All he needs is the total support of Nigerians".