Officials have said Mikel Obi has again been left out of the Super Eagles for an AFCON double header against Libya later this month because he has been battling injuries.
“Mikel has been in and out of his Chinese team because of injury and that was why he has been excused so that he can be fully recovered,” Eagles spokesman Toyin Ibitoye explained.
“We hope he returns to lead the team against South Africa in November.”
The former Chelsea star has not played for the country since the World Cup in Russia in June.
He also missed the AFCON qualifier in Seychelles last month.