Former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, has shared a revelation about corruption attempts in Nigeria’s national team selection, as told to him by the late coach Stephen Keshi.
Mikel made the disclosure while comparing Keshi’s squad decisions with Nigeria’s team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. According to him, the former Super Eagles coach faced pressure from influential individuals who tried to dictate player selection, but firmly resisted their interference.
Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel recalled a private conversation with Keshi during the build-up to the World Cup.
“I remember the late Stephen Keshi when he was putting together his World Cup squad. He called me and said, ‘Mikel, I want to make the squad, but these people keep calling me, trying to influence my decisions,’” Mikel said.
“They were telling him he had to pick certain players, but he told me, ‘You know me. I will always do what is right. I will pick the players I believe deserve to be there and who can help this country perform well at the World Cup.’”
Meanwhile, preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations are in full swing, with 25 Super Eagles players already in camp ahead of the tournament in Egypt.
Nigeria are scheduled to play host nation Egypt in a friendly match on Tuesday before travelling to Morocco for the AFCON.
The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Their campaign will kick off against Tanzania on December 23, followed by clashes with Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30.
