Sunday Oliseh alleges John Obi Mikel snubbed London team meeting

Former Nigeria head coach Sunday Oliseh has alleged that former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel failed to attend a critical meeting organized in London during his time in charge of the national team. According to Oliseh, the snub occurred despite the coach making personal sacrifices to facilitate the discussion. The claims bring to light the behind-the-scenes tensions that characterized Oliseh's relatively brief stint as the manager of Nigeria’s senior men’s football team. Oliseh provided specific details regarding the logistics of the encounter, stating that he traveled to the United Kingdom entirely at his own expense. His intention was to sit down with some of the squad's most senior figures, including Mikel and Victor Moses, to align on team objectives and address ongoing affairs within the Super Eagles camp. While other players were involved in the outreach, Oliseh highlighted Mikel’s absence as a notable failure in communication during a period when the coach was attempting to restructure the team’s leadership and operational culture. The revelation highlights the complex relationship between the coaching staff and high-profile international players during that era. By highlighting that he funded the trip personally, Oliseh emphasized his commitment to bridging gaps within the team, a gesture he suggests was not reciprocated by the then-captain. These allegations add another layer to the public understanding of the challenges Oliseh faced before his eventual departure from the role, illustrating the difficulties in managing elite players with differing priorities.