Thank God Mikel's Out Of The Team.

Former Nigeria and AC Milan centre-back, Taribo West says Mikel Obi’s expected exclusion from the Super Eagles squad for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad in Kaduna is a blessing in disguise for the national team.

Taribo said Mikel needed a break from football before getting back to top shape after a long and strenuous season plagued with injuries at English champions Chelsea,.

Mikel Obi

He also warned that the Eagles players should not be overconfident, saying this was not the best of times for the country’s football.

He said, “This is not a good time for us because it’s the off-season and a lot of our players are tired. Thank God Mikel was ruled out of the team because he had a very tough season playing in the Champions League, Premier League and other competitions for Chelsea. He needs rest. Even goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama was ever present at his French club side and deserves a rest as well,” Taribo said.

Taribo West

“That is why we need our best players in the domestic league to dominate the squad against the Chadians. The Nigerian season started few weeks ago and a lot of the home guys are still very fresh and fit to play, so let’s use them.”

Even though he expressed his confident the Eagles would begin their 2017 AFCON qualifiers on a winning note, he advised the overseas-based players to report to camp earlier.

Taribo added, “They (Eagles) will win but they need to prepare well. The overseas-based players should come to camp direct because if they get to their homes before joining the squad, there might be distractions, which won’t augur well for the team. Though Chad are not a big team, they are improving, so we shouldn’t take them for granted.”