BBC SPORT | Football | African | Mikel confident of Nigeria return

Mikel confident of Nigeria return

Chelsea midfielder Mikel John Obi says he wants to return to the international fray for Nigeria before the 2008 African Nations Cup finals in Ghana.

The 20-year-old enraged the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) when he pulled out of a qualifier against Uganda at the end of last season.

It was thought that Mikel had been suspended indefinitely by his country but the midfielder denies this.

"I spoke to the people there and there seemed to be a misunderstanding."

He added: "I didn't play the game because I was injured after my season with Chelsea.

"I went back home and had to rest my muscles because I was so tired."

Mikel admits it took time for him to adapt following his protracted move to Stamford Bridge from Lyn Oslo.

"My first season for Chelsea was a bit difficult but I started playing a lot towards the end of the season," he added.

"The team is great and the manager is a good man - everyone has helped me."