According to an X post by Pulse Sports on October 30, 2026, former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has recounted how John Obi Mikel failed to honour a scheduled meeting with him during his time as Nigeria manager. The tactician described the incident as one of the biggest insults of his career. He also questioned whether Mikel's status at Chelsea influenced his attitude towards him.

The former midfielder revealed that he personally travelled from Belgium to London at his own expense to meet Mikel and his former Chelsea teammate, Victor Moses. The meeting was arranged as part of efforts to engage the two players during his tenure as Super Eagles coach.

However, while Moses honoured the invitation, Mikel allegedly failed to show up and did not respond to the WhatsApp message sent to him.

In Oliseh's words: “Now, of the two of them, who did not come to the meeting? Obi Mikel did not come to the meeting. Victor Moses came. Obi Mikel did not even respond to the WhatsApp message."

The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder also questioned whether Mikel's position and status at Chelsea had made him feel bigger than the national team coach.

“Where did you play that I did not play? What did you play that I did not play?” the 1994 Africa Nations Cup winner added.

Oliseh managed the Super Eagles between July 2015 and February 2016. He resigned from the position at the end of the period citing contractual violations, lack of support and unpaid salaries.

Meanwhile, Mikel enjoyed a distinguished international career with Nigeria. He captained the country to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title. He also represented the Super Eagles at the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups.