Onazi says Mikel’s influence shaped Super Eagles team selection
Former Nigeria midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has claimed that John Obi Mikel wielded significant influence in the Super Eagles, affecting which players were invited to the national team. Speaking on a podcast, Onazi suggested that Mikel’s authority sometimes led to deserving players missing out on call-ups. He cited Tony Nwakaeme as one player who was impacted, noting that Mikel later apologised to him. The comments have reignited discussion about how leadership dynamics affect team selection in Nigerian football.
Match highlights
- Ogenyi Onazi alleged that John Obi Mikel was so influential in the Super Eagles that he could determine player invitations.
- Onazi mentioned Tony Nwakaeme as a player who missed out on national team opportunities due to Mikel’s influence.
- Mikel reportedly admitted this to Nwakaeme during a meal in Istanbul and apologised.
- Despite a successful club career, Nwakaeme only earned one cap for Nigeria, sparking debate about selection fairness.
- Mikel’s long-standing role and achievements with both Chelsea and Nigeria made him a central figure in the team for over a decade.
