The Sun News On-line

The decision by Dream Team IV’s handler, Samson Siasia, to shut out Chelsea of England star, John Mikel Obi from the 2008 Olympic Games has been declared incontrovertible by FIFA and CAF instructor, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde.

The elder statesman, who recently clocked 70 years, noted in an interview with brilafm.net that Siasia has his reasons for dropping the player and insisted that only the coach could decide the calibre of players he deems suitable to prosecute his campaign.

“It would not make any sense at a moment like this to question the coach’s decision over only one particular player.
“Siasia believes he gave Mikel enough time to adjust, but feels the young man failed to comply after several opportunities, and he is bound to feel betrayed after several trials.

“I feel he has taken the decision on strictly technical levels, not personal terms, and the coach’s decision should be respected,” the Modakeke high chief reasoned.
Onigbinde also spoke about the Under-23 squad’s chances of progressing from the group that will parade the Netherlands, Japan and United States of America, and gave Siasia’s team a glimmer of hope.

“I see this as a tight group, since all four countries have equal opportunities of advancing to the next stage.
“However, a lot will have to depend on what inputs taken by each coach and his home federation to ensure the team succeeds,” the wizened former Super Eagles coach submitted.