The Nigeria Football Association has reiterated its support for the national U-23 coach, Samson Siasia, on the exclusion of Chelsea midfielder, Mikel Obi, from the Beijing Olympics team.

Siasia dropped Mikel from the Beijing-bound team following the player‘s refusal to honour any of the invitations extended to him during the qualifiers, especially the last game against South Africa in Abuja.

Marseille‘s Taye Taiwo and Everton‘s Victor Anichebe played against the South Africans and also scored a goal each.

Lulu stressed that the NFA was not ready to drag the issue because the coach had the final say on the team

He said, “We invited Siasia on a number of times and he insisted that Mikel should be excluded for good. Again, not many people are aware that the players came out to say no to his inclusion. They believe Mikel is their colleague and should not be treated like a superstar since they all started together in the U-20 team.

“It is a big decision but one has to respect the coach so that his inclusion will not be counterproductive. I was there when Siasia was talking to Mikel and Taiwo in Ghana. The coach believes the team can do well without Mikel.”

Lulu stressed that that the Chelsea player was still a prominent member of the Super Eagles billed to play four World Cup qualifiers in June.

“Siasia also complained that Mikel was not accessible. Each time he tries to get him, it is the agent that picks the phone. He can still make an impact with the Eagles,” Lulu added.