Mikel, Moses, Apam out of Venezuela friendly

France based Onyekachi Apam is also out.

Nigerian internationals, Mikel Obi and Victor Moses, who play for Chelsea FC of England, will not be part of the Nigerian team that will play against Venezuela on November 14, Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, has said.

France based central defender, Onyekachi Apam, will also not play a part in the friendly match to be played in Miami, Florida, United States.

Keshi said on Sunday that the trio had different reasons for not being part of the game, but asked Nigerians to entertain no fear as capable replacements have already been named for the encounter.

Mikel reportedly has family matters to attend to after some domestic accidents.

“Timberwolves player, Bright Dike, who stars in the MLS for Timberwolves FC has already been invited to play in his stead and we are sure that he will do well in the encounter, especially as he is based in the United States,” Keshi declared.

For Victor Moses, Sharks FC’s Gomo Onduku, who has been in splendid form at the national camp has been drafted in and will be part of the team that will travel Sunday night to Miami for the encounter.

“I have been there before and we don’t have any grudges against players withdrawing from international friendlies, especially when they are compelled to do that but we want to be told on time so that we can make replacements,” an apparently displeased Keshi said on Sunday morning.

All other players invited for the encounter have since confirmed their early arrival, even as the team jets out Sunday night via Delta Airlines for the game that comes up on Wednesday night in Florida, USA.

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari, is expected to lead the delegation for the friendly. The game is meant to prepare the Super Eagles for the 2013 African Cup of Nations to be hosted in South Africa.