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Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has been suspended by the Nigerian FA indefinitely after being accused of showing "no interest" in playing.
Mikel, 20, did not report for duty when called-up for the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda, with his club Chelsea stating in writing that the player was undergoing medical treatment in London.
But Nigeria believe neither Mikel nor the Premiership runners-up and have moved to ban him from the side with immediate effect.
"Mikel's gross act of indiscipline and lack of commitment towards national call-ups is totally unacceptable," NFA spokesman Ademola Olajire said. "Since Mikel prefers his club over his country, we can only wish him the best of luck.
"The fact that both [Nigeria senior and Olympic] coaches do not need him in their squads means his continuous invitation to the national teams is of no relevance."
While FIFA require that players report to their national federation for independent assessment, Chelsea were known to be furious that Mikel was tested and then played in a 4-1 friendly defeat against Ghana in London this February - after the club had declared him unfit to play.
However, Nigeria boss Berti Vogts also appears to be angry at a perceived lack of commitment from the former Lyn Oslo player when he last turned out for this country.
"The national coach said before the game against Niger that Mikel did not show any sign of commitment that he wanted to play so he left him out," Olajire continued.
"The national Under-23 coach Samson Siasia also says he does not need Mikel in his squad since he preferred to play for Chelsea rather than Nigeria.
"Siasia is embarrassed that Mikel who played under him - at the FIFA World Youth Championship two years ago - is being disrespectful and disinterested in playing for his country."
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has previously said that he would not be looking to sign any more African players due to the 2008 African Cup of Nations in Ghana, which will deprive him of players such as Didier Drogba, Michael Essien , Geremi and Solomon Kalou in the spring.
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and we thought he matured
Mikel, 20, did not report for duty when called-up for the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda, with his club Chelsea stating in writing that the player was undergoing medical treatment in London.
But Nigeria believe neither Mikel nor the Premiership runners-up and have moved to ban him from the side with immediate effect.
"Mikel's gross act of indiscipline and lack of commitment towards national call-ups is totally unacceptable," NFA spokesman Ademola Olajire said. "Since Mikel prefers his club over his country, we can only wish him the best of luck.
"The fact that both [Nigeria senior and Olympic] coaches do not need him in their squads means his continuous invitation to the national teams is of no relevance."
While FIFA require that players report to their national federation for independent assessment, Chelsea were known to be furious that Mikel was tested and then played in a 4-1 friendly defeat against Ghana in London this February - after the club had declared him unfit to play.
However, Nigeria boss Berti Vogts also appears to be angry at a perceived lack of commitment from the former Lyn Oslo player when he last turned out for this country.
"The national coach said before the game against Niger that Mikel did not show any sign of commitment that he wanted to play so he left him out," Olajire continued.
"The national Under-23 coach Samson Siasia also says he does not need Mikel in his squad since he preferred to play for Chelsea rather than Nigeria.
"Siasia is embarrassed that Mikel who played under him - at the FIFA World Youth Championship two years ago - is being disrespectful and disinterested in playing for his country."
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has previously said that he would not be looking to sign any more African players due to the 2008 African Cup of Nations in Ghana, which will deprive him of players such as Didier Drogba, Michael Essien , Geremi and Solomon Kalou in the spring.
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and we thought he matured
As long as there's no money in it for him he doesn't give a $h!t.
