Good news brigade: Mikel going nowhere in January

By: Jack | October 8th, 2011

Nigeria is apparently shit. Thank the sweet lord.

mikel
Hanging out in January

Apologies for not getting this up early. Most of us were doing the full-time job thing when the news broke. Me, I was doing some low-rent promotion at a local mixed martial arts event with a good friend.

Anyway. That idea of us being a bit thin in the middle of the park come January has now been chucked out the window. Ibrahima Diallo struck in added time to earn Guinea a 2-2 draw in Group B on Saturday, thus exiling the Super Eagles from this January’s Africa Cup of Nations. Damn son. Samson Siasia out!

While The CO does feel for Nigeria supporters, we’re not complaining about this turn of events. The Eagles’ plight allows our underrated holding midfielder to hang around at the turn of the year when we might just need him. Hell, we always need Obi Wan. With Michael Essien’s availability remaining up in the air, Mikel is just that more pivotal. We’re basically carrying he and Oriol Romeu in that position. Don’t mention Raul Meireles, people.

That leaves only Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba shipping out in January. And, you know, Drogba may not be making the trip to the home country, either. The Mighty One was dropped for the Ivory Coast’s final ACN qualifier against Burundi that is going down Sunday after he arrived late to camp. He was also stripped of the captaincy and told to head back to London. Weird. I totally expect this to blow over, but in the now, it’s a bit of a blow to Drogba. Still, the man is an African icon and he’s going nowhere.

Nowhere.

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Category: Blues on International Duty, Player News

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guest

i would rather love to take gary medel for obi
thespecial1

It would have been nice to see Oriol get full time action, see what he is really made of. But, this is still a good thing, Obi is a sure thing and we need that.
TIMLOS

Mr. Author, I do take exception to your referring to Nigeria as shit. Kindly do be specific and refer to Nigeria's football. That is most dis-respectful of you and I do believe an apology and retraction is required here.
Jonty 1

quite disappointed really as I was hoping Josh might get a chance during ACN and he now has one more midfielder infront of him.
Maysam

Well, I do not think losing Mikel has such negetive effeects on us. I prefer Meireles in that position.
Kalou, I think we should pay something to Ivry Coast to invite him to international team.
ASSHOLE

Nigeria is bigger than you and ur fucking family you piece of shit.. if u don't know what to write u keep shut.. If not for the play offs England won't have gone to the world up.. cheating and running Ireland Rag..
Ramasholota

Ga o na botho u juz talk to people the way u like neh/ Pliz ntwana OBI MIKEL is our icon, we love and will always do. Respect his family. Wena hantlentle do u have family???? i dont think so, and if u have it means that u r stupid, wise up man or else shut up...
Sharinganfx

NO KALOU WOOHOO! although the hope is that he'll have left the club before then...
Devin Anand

Delightful news. Glad to have a natural CDM in the mix for the month.