A report on Channels Television on Tuesday quoted spokesman of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Toyin Ibitoye explaining why Super Eagles captain exempted himself from the two upcoming games against South Africa and Uganda in November.
According to the report, the Super Eagles captain excused himself to help his Chinese club out of relegation.
The response came after Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr was quoted to have said Mikel was exempted from the two games having “taken a sabbatical from international football”
The Nigerian captain was unavailable for the three Nations Cup games against Seychelles (2) and Uganda.