Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel was left out of the Nigeria national team squad for the upcoming 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Tanzania, but coach Sunday Oliseh explained that he is yet to get in contact with the Super Eagles veteran.

Speaking to the media in Nigeria this week, the question of Mikel’s absence was raised at the press conference, and the coach explained that he has been unable to get any feedback from the Chelsea player.

“I have not spoken to Mikel up till now. I have contacted him on several occasions with no reply. I sent him an sms, no reply. I went to London, he plays in same club with Victor Moses, Victor came to the meeting, we spoke, he did not,” Oliseh revealed to the media in Abuja.

The tactician went on to explain that he needs to speak to players before he can add them to the squad, as he views all of the Super Eagles players as equal.

“Every player we have invited, we have spoken to. No player is special, every player is the same. We will not win games with just one player, but with 11 players,” he added.

Former coach Stephen Keshi had similar problems with the Chelsea player, who many in Nigeria believe has lost interest in the national team.

Veteran goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama will lead the Super Eagles against Tanzania on September 5 in Dar es Salaam, aiming to reach the tournament which will be his last before he retires from national team football.