John Mikel Obi disputes fine for arriving late
Last updated on .From the section Football
Nigeria midfielder John Mikel Obi says he knows nothing about his fine for arriving late in camp ahead of Saturday's crucial Africa Cup of Nations tie against Guinea.
He was slapped with the $5,000 fine for missing Tuesday's deadline and insists he will be relucant to pay if it comes.
"I don't think I will pay because I don't think I've done anything wrong."
"I think if the manager tells Nigerians my reasons, I think anyone in my situation would reason with me."
The Super Eagle went on to say that he is now fully concentrating on Saturday's crunch clash in Abuja.
"The focus should be on the match on Saturday, which we have to win to qualify for the Nations Cup," Mikel said.
Group B leaders Guinea need just a draw in Abuja to qualify for the 2012 event, a result that could eliminate Nigeria.
The Super Eagles have 10 points but a 1-0 win or any two-goal margin of victory will be good enough to see them depose the Syli Nationale at the top of the table.
Mikel has a history of falling out with coach Samson Siasia.
Siasia dropped Mikel for the 2008 Olympics over his attitude towards national team duties
The former international has come down hard on team discipline since he took charge of the Super Eagles.
Back in June, he slapped a two-match ban on Osaze Odemwingie after the West Brom striker left a training camp in March without permission.
Just last month Siasia dropped Vincent Enyeama after the Lille goalkeeper questioned the travel plans of the team to Madagascar for a Cup of Nations qualifier.
The wave of change under Siasia has divided opinions in the West African country.
A section of the media has been critical of the players' attitude as Siasia strives to stamp his authority and discipline on the team.
However, others are cynical of the coach's high-handed approach after recent fall-outs with Obafemi Martins, Osaze Odemwingie, Dickson Etuhu and Vincent Enyeama.
Meanwhile, Heartland defender Chibuzor Okonkwo has been ruled out of Saturday's game in Abuja because of injury.
A thigh injury he suffered during a friendly against Argentina in Bangladesh stopped him from featuring in Heartland's Federation Cup final triumph over Enyimba two weeks ago.
