Mikel finally joins Eagles
Nigeria are sweating on the fitness of Heartland defender Chibuzor Okonkwo ahead of Saturday’s crucial Nations Cup qualifier in Abuja against Guinea.

Also Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi finally arrived the Super Eagles hotel in Abuja early Wednesday morning to complete the 22-man squad

A thigh injury Okonkwo picked up in last month’s friendly against Argentina has already stopped him from featuring at his club’s recent Federation Cup final triumph over Enyimba.

Okonkwo has assured he has made remarkable recovery from the injury, while he awaits the Eagles medical staff to now ascertain his fitness.

“I have recovered very fast, but it’s now for the doctor to certify me fit,” he told MTNFootball.com

The right back jogged with the rest of the squad Tuesday morning, but kept away from the main training.

Team officials disclosed team doctor, Ibrahim Gyaran, will rule on the player’s fitness after Tuesday afternoon training.

Should Okonkwo fail the fitness test, Ukraine-based Dele Adeleye will most likely play at right back for the Eagles on Saturday.

Adeleye filled in for the suspended Adefemi Olubayo in that position during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Mikel finally joins Eagles

Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi finally arrived the Super Eagles hotel in Abuja early Wednesday morning to complete the 22-man squad.

Obi was fined $5,000 for his failure to beat a Tuesday deadline to report to the Nigeria training camp.

However, coach Samson Siasia has insisted that the midfielder remains very much a part of the team for Saturday’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea.

Mikel arrived by 6.10am local time wearing a white t-shirt over blue jeans and was accompanied by two other people.

He refused to take any questions as he headed to his room in the Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

He is now expected to be part of Wednesday afternoon training which will begin by 1.30pm.

How Eagles rode on Guinea’s back to Nations Cup!