Taribo happy to see Mikel out against Chad

Former AC Milan centre-back Taribo West says Mikel Obi’s shock 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 after a long and strenuous season plagued with injuries at English champions Chelsea, Mikel needed a break from football before getting back to top shape.
The Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games gold medallist warned that the Eagles 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.
“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 the 1998 and 2002 World Cups star is confident the Eagles would begin their 2017 AFCON qualifiers on a winning note, he advised the overseas-based players to report straight to camp.
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.”